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HISTORY 



K R ¥ I C H , 



CONNECTICUT, 



FROM ITS SETTLEMENT IN IGGO, TO JANUARY 1845. 



BY MISS F. M. CAULKINS. 



'' Many of these little things which we speak of are little only in size and name. 
They are full of rich meaning. They illustrate classes of men, 
and ages of lime." 



NORWICH. 

PUBLISHED BY THOMAS ROBINSON. 
1845. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1843, by 

THOMAS ROBINSON, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 



PRINTKD BY 

CASE. TIFFANY AND BURNHAM, 

HARTFORD, CONN. 



TO THE 
CITIZENS OF NORWICH, 

IVH.VBITANTS OB- A BEAUTIFUL AND VARIKD TOWN, 
INTERESTING FUOM ITS 

mSTOUICAL ASSOCIATIOXS, 

AND ALWAYS DISTINGriSHBD FOR HOSPITALITY, ENTERPRISE, AND A MANLY 
SPIRIT OP INDErjJNDEKCE, 

THIS HISTORY 

IS GRATKFULLY AND UESPKCTFUI-LY INSCRinKD, 
BY THE 

AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



The sources from which the following history has been drawn, as 
far as regards the facts, are 

I. The Town Records: these are ample and in a good state of pres- 
ervation. 

II. Files of the New London Gazette and Norwich Packet, from 
which many of the incidents related in the Revolutionary period are 
derived. 

III. Private documents: such as letters, account-books, bills, mem- 
orandums, deeds, and justices' papers 

IV. Tradition and conversation with aged persons. Tradition, it is 
acknowledged, is but an uncertain guide, — a glimmering light that 
often leads astray ; for it rests wholly on memory, and memory is fre- 
quently treacherous, — an officious imagination sometimes getting firmly 
seated in its place. But when tradition contradicts no authentic 
record, and when records fail, even history may be permitted to 
receive its aid. 

To an historical work references are generally considered invalu- 
able, — stamping it with authenticity, and enabling the reader to verify 
each particular incident. But from the nature of the materials from 
which this work is composed, references would be almost entirely use- 
less. It is not a compilation from pul)lished documents, is not founded 
on previous histories, — it has no predecessor, and therefore cannot 
appeal to works which are generally accessible. As a History of Nor- 
wich, it is an independent, original work ; but it makes no claim 
beyond that of a faithful purpose to give a more enduring form to a 
mass of local information, that would be lost if left much longer in the 
charge of mouldering paper, fading ink, and fast dropping age. 

The limits of a single volume are too narrow for the publication of 
original documents, which are usually technical, occupying a large 
space. The plan pursued is to give the results of inquiries, and con- 



VI PREFACE. 

densed statements of facts, without tracing the intermediate steps, and 
spreading out at large the materials from which they were drawn. 
Neither is it practicable within these limits to enter so largely into 
the genealogy of families, as would otherwise have been desirable. 
On this point the aim has been confined to the furnishing of a few data, 
the earliest that could be ascertained, to assist those who may wish to 
pursue the subject, and trace the line of their descent from the first 
settlers of the town. 

The great point kept in view through the whole composition of the 
work, was accuracy. It was the aim of the author to be minutely 
accurate. Not a fact, name, or date has been given without careful 
inquiry and examination. Even those sketches which may seem most 
like fancy pictures, are faithful copies of scenes, as they were depicted 
by eye-witnesses. But the information on many points was scanty, 
and doubtless in some cases incorrect; mistakes, therefore, will prob- 
ably be discovered. 

The author cannot dismiss her work without giving utterance to a 
deep feeling of regret, tliat several of those aged persons from whom 
many of its minuter details have been derived, and who regarded with 
lively interest this attempt to retrieve the events of other days from 
oblivion, are now no more. Among those who have passed away 
during the progress of the work, and are not here to welcome its pub- 
lication or be cheered with its details, sentiments of personal esteem 
and veneration lead her to record the names of 

Rev. Joseph Strong, D. D., Capt. David Nevins, and 
Dr. Philemon Tracy, Deacon Caleb Huntington. 

January, 1845. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. Introduction, 9 

II. Events prior to the settlement, .... 13 

III. Preparations for a settlement, .... 32 

IV. The settlement and settlers, 38 ■ 

V. Houses. Books. Schools. Food, . . . .50 

VI. Grants of Land. Highways. Fences. Boundaries. 

Selectmen. Innkeepers. Town Clerk, . . 57 

VII. Mohegans. Enlistments. Aboriginal relics, . . G6 

VIII. Ecclesiastical affairs. Ministers. Meeting-houses, 70 
IX. The Patent. Major Fitch. Number of Inhabitants, 79 

. X. The Thirty-five, 84 

XI Other Early Settlers. Settlers east of the Shetucket. 

Richard and Joseph Bushnell. Cases of Trespass, 115 

XII. Prices current. Town expenses, .... 124 

XIII. Animals, 129 

XIV. Bell. Meeting-House. Ecclesiastical Dissensions. 

Councils. Ministers Woodward and Lord. Dea- 
cons, 135 

XV. Chelsea or the Landing. Bridges over the Shetucket, 142 

XVI. Rogerenes, 148 

XVII. Currency, 151 

XVIII. Sheep-walks. Names, 154 

XIX. Mason Controversy, . . . . , .158 

XX. Indian Deeds. Sachems, 165 

XXI. Freemen. Justices. Physicians. Sign-Posts. Town- 

House. Mohegan Road. Societies. Population. 
Schools. Saybrook Platform. Treasurer. Con- 
stable, 171 

XXII. Civil aflairs. Cases of Trespass, Chaises. Biograph- 

ical Sketches. Africans, 177 

XXI II. Chelsea. Highways. Warnings. The Cove. Com- 

merce. Deleware Purchase. French Neutrals. 
Trade, ISa 



VIII CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEK PAGE. 

XXIV. Ecclesiastical Affairs, 193 

XXV. Ministers. Rev. Dr. Lord. Rev. Dr. Strong, . 201 
XXVI. The Revolutionary Period, 207 

XXVII. Bird's-eye View of a scene in Norwich, 1775, . 22S 

XXVIII. Continuation of Revolutionary Events, . . .233 
.• XXIX. Biographical Sketches, 24S 

XXX. Episcopal Church and Society, 2G1 

XXXI. Population. Inoculation. Division of the Ancient 

Town. Franklin. Newent. Bozrah. Long So- 
ciety. Hanover. Portipaug, .... 270 

XXXII. Chelsea Society, 288 

XXXIII. Schools. Books. Amusements. Gov. Huntington, 301 

XXXIV. Commerce, Shipping. Men of business. Lawyers. 

Bridges. Highways. Turnpikes. Somerset 
Lodge. Murray. Winchester, . . . 307 

XXXV. Greatest Fire. New Meeting-House. Second Con- 

gi-egational Society. Falls Church. Greeneville 
Church. Fifth Congregational Church. Baptists. 

Methodists. .Universalists. Roman Catholics, 316 

Norwich City, 324 

Incorporated Manufacturing Companies, .... 330 

Banks, &c 331 

Population, 332 

Newspapers, 332 

Missionaries, 333 

Railroad, 335 

Health, Longevity, Death, 337 

Freshets, 346 

Descriptive Sketch, 352 

Statistics of Manufactures, ...... 359 



HISTOEY OF NORWICH. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introduction. 

As you ascend the river Thames, in the eastern part 
of Connecticut, and approach towards its head, a sud- 
den opening of its banks, presents you with a distant 
glimpse of a few fine buiklings, crowning- the hill-top, 
or scattered along the slope of a headland tliat seems 
to project directly into the bosom of the river in your 
front. Another turn in the river, hides the scene from 
your view, and when it ngain opens, you are near 
enough to see that a picturescpie town is before you, 
built around the base, and on the declivity of a hill, 
which is embraced by the two branches of the stream 
that come winding down through the distant hills. 
Around this declivity the streets rise, one above an- 
other, displaying several liandsome churches and other 
public buildings, some of which ascend to the summit 
of the hill. The very narrowness of the view, being 
circumscribed on all sides by hills, except the open 
space afforded by the river in front, gives it the charm 
of unity and distinctness. 

This is Norwich : — but from the river you see only 

a section of the place; for the buildings are extended 

on each side along the arms of the river farther than 

your eye can reach, and on the other side of that ob- 

2 



10 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

trusive hill is a lovely and varied landscape, exhib- 
iting avenues of venerable trees, elegant dwelling 
houses and numerous gardens, scattered around the 
plains and extending far onward over the hills, each 
group crowned with its spire, and relieved by a back- 
ground of rocky heights or dark bosomed forests. 
If you land on the west side, just below the bounds of 
the town, where Trading Cove, an arm of the river 
almost as broad and deep as the main stream, extends 
a short distance into the country, and ascend the 
Mohegan highlands, — the line of vision will stretch 
far to the north and west, and you will obtain a good 
general idea of the situation and varied surface of the 
town. You will perhaps imagine, and with good rea- 
son, that the first English explorers beheld it from this 
point, and that they were struck with admiration, not 
only at the romantic scenery, but at the various ad- 
vantages presented for commerce, manufactures and 
agriculture. Here they beheld a navigable river and 
an easy access to tlie ocean ; hills that would make 
excellent pastures for their herds and flocks ; plains 
and meadows that industry might soon convert into 
mowing lands and cornfields ; rapid streams and cat- 
aracts, affording innumerable mill-seats and sites for 
future manufactories. We can almost fancy that we 
hear them exclaim, " What a noble place for a settle- 
ment !" 

Nearer the city, on each side of the river, are lofty 
eminences, from wliich the prospect is still more ex- 
tensive and variegated. The eastern summit bearing 
the name of Tory Hill, from its having been the con- 
fiscated property of a royalist during the Revolutionary 
war, affords a fine view of the harl)or, the city, and the 
valley of the Shetucket. From Windmill and Baptist 
Hills on the west, the eye surveys almost the whole 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 11 

area of the town, and observes the situation of its 
distinct villages, the course of the streams, the rude 
chimps of rocks interspersed, and the circumjacent 
hills. The short and rapid Yanlic, spreads out into a 
broad cove, with romantic l)anks l)eneath you, and 
seems to be the principal tributary to the Thames, 
while the Shetucket, a much longer river, of consider- 
able magnitude and power, comes almost unnoticed 
into its bosom, stealing through a narrow channel, 
round a projecting cliff. 

It is not strange, that a place possessed of such ad- 
vantages by nature, when once known to the English, 
should have been highly prized by them ; or that 
when obtained from the natives, it should be speedily 
settled ; or that since its settlement, it should have 
grown and prospered more uniformly and extensively, 
than any other town in the eastern pait of the state. 
Its increase has been gradual, but sure. It has never 
known any serious decline, either in numbers, or prop- 
erty, and though at times, laboring under disadvan- 
tages, in common with the rest of New England, it 
has generally been upon the advance. The spirit of 
enterprize has shifted from one part of the town to 
another, but has never wholly left its precincts. It 
has been greatly dismembered, for the original bounds 
of Norwich comprise at present nearly five towns, but 
the nucleus has not been injured by the division. 

Norwich may be considered a beautiful type of 
the second class of New England towns, embodying a 
bright portion of the genuine old English character, 
and rich in traditionary lore. In some respects, it has 
always been a prominent place. The Mohegan tribe 
of Indians resided upon its inmiediate borders, and its 
early history is intimately connected with that noted 
race. Many remarkable individuals have, first and 



12 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

last, emanated from the community ; — the inhabitants 
took a bold and determined attitude in the revolution- 
ary war, and are famous for their early attention to 
manufactures, as well as for their present deep interest 
in them. The scenery of the town is also remarkably 
picturesque : it is emphatically a place of hills and 
springs of water. Copse, dingle and glen are scatter- 
ed about in lavish abundance and wild variety. These 
and other circumstances, have thrown a more than 
common degree of splendor upon the place, and ren- 
dered it more conspicuous than many others of greater 
numerical importance. 

In its present dimensions, Norwich covers an area of 
twenty-six square miles, in which are six considerable 
sections, mainly distinct, though gradually melting 
into each other. The greatest extent is from Trading 
Cove to Plain Hills, which measures about seven 
miles ; its medium breadth is about three miles. 
Almost all its boundaries are rivers and brooks. The 
Thames and She tucket wash its eastern border, and 
the little stream called Yantic, divides it into nearly 
equal parts from the N. W. to the S. E. 

By the old stage route it is one hundred and twenty- 
eight miles E. of New York, and eighty S. W. of Bos- 
ton. By steamboat to Greenport and thence by the 
Long Island railroad, New York is now reached in 
seven hours and a half, and by the Norwich and Wor- 
cester railroad, Boston in four hours and a quaiter. 

Lat. 41° 34' N. Lonff. 72° 29^ W. 



CHAPTER II 



Events prior to the Settlement. 



The earliest notice that we gain of the tract of land 
now called Norwich, either from history or tradition, is 
from some incidents of Indian border warfare that 
took place in the year 1643. It was at that period, in 
the possession of the Mohegan tribe of Indians, and 
had originally been included in tlie extensive domain 
claimed by the Pequots. The Mohegans and Narra- 
gansetts had long been engaged in a rancorous and 
predatory war with each other. The early history of 
Connecticut is perplexed with accounts of their petty 
quarrels.- Among the rocks and ravines of Norwich, 
the scouting parties of the Narragansetts often laid 
their snares, or found shelter when pursued ; and here 
also was the lookout port of the Mohegans when ex- 
pecting an attack from their foe. All the accounts of 
this contest are written with an evident bias to the side 
of the Mohegans, whom the Englisli were bound by 
treaty to defend from aggression. Nevertheless, they 
made many attempts to reconcile the two tribes, and 
endeavored to act the part of an impartial umpire. A 
compact was made at Hartford, in 1638, by which it 
was stipulated, that the hostile sachems should not 
make war on each other without an appeal to the 
English. A spirit of rivalry and of personal hatred 
seems, however, to have existeel between Miantino- 
2* 



14 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

moh* and Uncas, which was easily inflamed into open 
war, and neither party, when roused to the conflict, 
waited for the sanction of the English. 

The origin of this rupture is thus related by Gov. 
Winthrop : 

" Onkus, being provoked by Sequasson, a Sachem of 
Connecticut, made war upon him, and slew divers of 
his men and burnt his wigwams ; whereupon Miantun- 
nomoh being his kinsman, took offence against Onkus, 
and went v/ith near one thousand men and set upon 
Onkus befoie he conld l)e provided for defence, for he 
had not then with him above three or four hundred 
men." 

Other historians, and among them Trumbull, in his 
History of Connecticut, trace the dispute farther back, 
to an attempt which was made to assassinate Uncas by 
a Pequot, who was suspected to have been incited to 
this act by the Narragansett Sachem. Of this, how- 
ever, no proof was ever adduced. Miantinomoh indig- 
nantly denied the charge, and retorted upon Uncas 
that he had cut his own arm with a flint, and then 
accused the Pequot of wounding him. But whatever 
might be the incident which supplied the spark of igni- 
tion, the materials had long been gathering, and the 
flame broke forth in tlie summer of 1643. The fol- 
lowing account, more minute than is usually given of 
this contest, is deduced from a careful comparison 
of the earliest histories, with the traditions of the 
Mohegnns. 

Miantinomoh having secretly raised an armed force, 

♦This name is variously spelt and accented. The text gives, not 
the most popular, but probably the most correct form. Miantinomoh, 
or Miantimomy, with the accent on the penultimate, is said to come 
nearest to the Indian pronunciation, and is sanctioned bv the authority 
of Roger Williams. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 15 

amounting- probably to six hundred warriors,* marched 
against the Mohegans. He expected to take them by 
surprise, the season being that in which they were 
usually busy in their cornfields, or engaged in fishing, 
and he might reasonably anticipate a brilliant victory. 
But Uncas was a wary chieftain ; his partizans were at 
that very time abroad, and he soon received informa- 
tion of the movements of his enemies. The tradition 
is that the Narragansetts were first discovered as they 
Avere crossing the Shetucket at a fording place, near 
the junction of the Qninnebaug. The Mohegans liad 
a look-out post on Wawekus Hill, [in Norwich City,] 
which hill was long afterwards known as Fort Hill, and 
it is not unlikely that the spies who discovered the 
approach of the invaders, might have belonged to a 
scouting party stationed here. A path, afterwards 
widened to a road by the English settlers, led from 
this hill to the Little Plain, where was the burial 
ground of the Mohegan Sachems. A cleft or ravine 
from this spot, once the bed of a rivulet, came out 
directly by tlie Indian Landing Place at the foot of 
Yantic Falls, from whence a canoe could glide in a few 
minutes to Shantok Point, five miles below, where 
Uncas had a fort. In this way the intelligence may 
have been communicated to the Sachem with great 
rapidity. 

Uncas assembled his warriors to the number of three 
or four hundred, and boldly advanced to meet the foe. 

♦Nine hundred or one thousand, says Trumbull, and the warriors of 
Uncas four or five hundred. This is doubtless an over estimate, as 
an enquiry into the resources of the two tribes will show. The Narra- 
gansetts perhaps numbered one thousand warriors in all; but it is 
absurd to suppose that every man of all their tribes was engaged in 
tliis expedition. The Mohegans at no time had much over four hun- 
dred warriors, and it is not probable that all could be collected on a 
sudden emergency. 



16 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

When he reached what is called the Great Plain, three 
or four miles from his principal settlement, and a mile 
and a half south-west of the Yantic, he learned that the 
Narragansetts had crossed the fords of the Yantic, [at 
Noman'.s acre,] and were pouring down upon him. 
He immediately halted, arranged his men on a rising 
ground, and made them acquainted with a stratagem, 
the effect of wiiich he was about to prove. He had 
scarcely given his warriors instructions how to act, be- 
fore the Narragansetts appeared on an opposite decliv- 
ity. Uncas sent forw ard a messenger, desiring a parley 
with Miantinomoh, which was granted, and the two 
chiefs met on the plain, between their respective 
armies. Uncas then proposed that the fortune of the 
day should be decided by themselves in single com- 
bat, and the lives of their w^arriors spared. His prop- 
osition Avas thus expressed : " Let us two fight it out: 
if you kill me, my men shall be yours; but if I kill 
you, your men shall be mine." 

Miantinomoh, who seems to have suspected some 
crafty manoeuvre, in this unusual proposition, replied 
disdainfully, " My men came to fight, and they shall 
fight." Uncas immediately gave a pre-concerted sig- 
nal to his follo\vers, by falling flat upon his face to the 
ground. They, being all prepared with bent bows, 
instantly discliarged a sliower of arrows upon the 
enemy, and raising the battle yell, rushed forward 
with their tomahawks, their chieftain starting up and 
leading the onset. The Narragansetts who were care- 
lessly awaiting the result of the conference, and not 
expecting that the Mohegans would venture to fight at 
all with such inferior force, were taken by surprise; 
and after a short and confused attempt at resistance, 
were put to flight. The fugitives and their pursuers, 
with despairing cries and triumphant shouts, crossed 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 17 

tlic liver at the shallows, and swept like a whirlwind 
over the hills, regardless of tangled forests, rushing tor- 
rents, and precipitous ledges of rock, directing their 
course to the Avell known fords of the Shetucket. 

Two of the Mohegan captains, who were very swift 
of foot, singled out Miantinonioh, and pursued him 
with relentless pertinacity. He had nearly reached 
the river when they overtook him, ho being encum- 
bered and retaided, it is said, by a coat, or corslet of 
mail. Throwing themselves against him tliey impe- 
ded his motion, and when the chief recovered himself 
repeated the act, continuing thus to obstruct his lliglit, 
but not attempting to seize him, that Uncas might 
come up and have the honor of his capture. The 
moment that Uncas touched his shoulder, Miantinomoh 
stopped, and without the least resistance, sat down, 
calm and silent. Uncas immediateh' gave the Indian 
whoop of victory, which collected all his men around 
him, and the strife ceased : the whole conflict and pur- 
suit having occupied, according to tradition, not more 
than twenty minutes. About thirty ^Narragansetts 
were slain. Among the prisoners, besides the great 
Captain himself, w'ere his brother, and two of the sons 
of Canonicus, his uncle. 

Some of the early historians say, that the two cap- 
tains who assisted in the capture of Miantinomoh, were 
his own men, who by this treachery hoped to make 
their peace with Uncas, whose subjects they had for- 
merly been. From Gov. Winthrop's account it is not 
clear whether it was the chief himself, or his brother, 
whose flight was thus treacherously obstructed. Sav- 
age, in his notes to Winthrop, understands it to be the 
former: Trumbull, in the History of Connecticut, the 
latter. In a letter written by Thomns Peters, of Pe- 
quot Harbor, now New London, in 1645, just after a 



18 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

visit made to Uncas at Mohegan, he speaks of " Tan- 
taquieson. a Mohegan Captain, who first fingered Mian- 
tinomoh."* This agrees with Mohegan tradition : the 
family of Tantaquieson, or Tantaquidjin, is a nohle 
one among them, and the descendants to this day have 
scarcely ceased to boast of the above-mentioned exploit 
of one of their ancestors. 

After the battle, Uncas returned in triumph to his 
fortress, carrying his illustrious captive with him, whom 
he treated with generous kindness and respect. But 
he soon conducted him to Hartford, and surrendered 
him to the custody of the English. He probably feared 
some desperate attempt on the part of the Narragan- 
setts to recapture their prince ; and he was moreover 
incited to this course by an urgent message from Mr. 
Gorton, of Rhode Island, who supposed the life of 
Miantinomoh would be safe if he could but get him 
into the hands of the English. Roger Williams, the 
warm and constant friend of the Sachem, was then in 
England, and there seems to have been no other person 
of any influence in the country to take his part. He 
was imprisoned at Hartford, and Uncas consented to 
be governed in his future conduct towards his captive, 
entirely by the advice of the English. The whole 
aifair was laid before the Commissioners of the United 
Colonies, at their meeting at Boston in September, and 
the question was there debated whether it was just and 
lawful lo put Miantinomoh to death. The execution 
of a Pequot who had given his testimony against him ; 
his repeated attempts upon the life of Uncas by assas- 
sination, poison and sorcery ; his turbulence in making 
war against the Mohegans without a previous appeal 
to the English ; and his inveterate hostility to the 



* See Appendix to Savage's Winthrop. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 19 

whites, to exterminate whom he was accused of endea- 
voring to bring- about a confederacy of several tribes, 
and of hiring the Mohawks to assist in the deadly 
work, were the arg-uments urged against him. Never- 
theless, the court still hesitated whether it would be 
just ^ put him to death, and in this dilemma referred 
the matter to ecclesiastical counsellors. Five of the 
principal ministers in the colonies were consulted, and 
these, considering it hazardous to the peace of the 
country that the Sachem should be released, gave their 
voice in favor of his execution. This decided the 
question in the affirmative. It was determined, how- 
ever, that the deed should be committed by Uncas, in 
his own jurisdiction, and without torture. 

The Mohegan Sachem was soon ordered to repair to 
Hartford, with a trusty band of followers, and there the 
decision of the Commissioners was made known to him, 
and Miantinomoh delivered into his hands. A band 
of twelve or fourteen soldiers was also sent with him 
from Hartford, to protect him from any sudden burst of 
revenge on the part of tlie Narrngansetts, and to show 
that the deed was sanctioned by the English. These 
were to remain a while in the Mohegan country. Two 
Englishmen were also directed to remain with the 
prisoner, and to see that the sentence was executed in 
conformity to the decision. Uncas, having received 
the captive king, promptly obeyed the directions given. 
He conducted him to the very spot where he had be.en 
taken prisoner. At the instant they arrived on the 
ground, the brother of Uncas, who marched behind 
Miantinomoh, at a signal from his chief, struck him on 
the head with a hatchet and killed him at a single 
stroke. Uncas cut a piece of flesh from his shoulder 
and ate it, saying, it was the sweetest meat he ever 



20 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ate, — it made his heart strong. Revenge was doubtless 
the sioeetness that he tasted. 

The above account coincides mainly with that of 
Trumbull, who derived his information from Richard 
Hide, Esq., of Norwich, a gentleman who through his 
whole life was in the habit of frequent intercourse Avith 
the Mohegans, and whose house was one of the favorite 
resorts of wanderers from that tribe. He related the 
story as it was current among them, and there is no 
reason to doubt the correctness of even the cannibal 
part of the statement. Many of the Indian tribes had 
a custom of tasting the flesh or blood of a slauglitered 
foe, believing that thereby the strength and valor of 
the deceased was infused into their own souls. 

The imfortunate sachem was buried on the spot of 
his capture and execution, on the western bank of the 
Shetucket, a little north of where the village of 
Greeneville now stands. The place, from these events, 
took the name of Sachem's Plain, which it still bears. 
A heap of stones was raised over the grave, and addi- 
tions made to it from time to time, by all true-hearted 
Narragansetts, who passed tliat way. For several 
years afterwards, a paity of that nation came to the 
spot every September, and renewed their lamentations 
over the heap, casting a few more stones upon it, and 
consecrating them with doleful cries and frantic ges- 
tures. A citizen of Norwich still living, N. L. Shipman, 
Esq., remembers this tumulus in his youth, a conspicu- 
ous object, standing large and high, between two soli- 
tary while oak trees, about sixteen rods east of the old 
Providence road, and nearly in a line with that part of 
the river where (be great dam has since been built. At 
length the owner of the land, probably being ignorant 
of the design of these stones, removed them to use in 
(he undersetting of a barn he was erecting in the 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 21 

neighborhood. In process of tune the old oak trees 
also disappeared, and nothing- was left to designate the 
spot where the fallen chieftain lay. 

While making- excavations for the water works, on 
the banks of the Shetiicket, about the year 1830, an 
Indian grave was opened, containing a kettle, a spoon, 
and a box, all of copper, a glass bottle, and some other 
utensils, together with the bones of a person, appa- 
rently of enormous size. Some have supposed that 
these were the remains of the Narragansett Sachem, 
as tradition affirms that his stature was almost gigantic, 
but the best authorities agree in placing the tomb 
of that prince a least half a mile from this spot. 

Before dismissing this subject it is proper to state 
that Gov. Winthrop, from whom we have the oldest 
written account of this affair, designates an entirely 
different spot as the place of Miantinomoh's execution. 
He says, " Onkus, taking Miantunomoh along with 
him, in the way between Hartford and Windsor, where 
Onkus hath some men dwell, Onkus' brother, following 
after Miantunomoh, clave his head with an hatchet, 
some English being present." Mr. Savage also, in his 
notes upon Winthrop, alluding to the variance of his 
account with that of Trumbull, gives a decided prefer- 
ence to the former, and deems it much more probable 
that he was slain between Hartfoid and Windsor than 
in Norwich.* There is in truth nothing opposed to 
Winthrop's account but tradition ; but this testimony 
is so minute, circumstantial and uniform, that it 
amounts to almost conclusive evidence that Winthrop 
is wrong- and Truml)ull is right. 

The sentence of Miantinomoh is one of the most fla- 
grant acts of injustice and ingratitude, that stands re- 

* The records of the Commissioners of the United Colonies also 
agree in designating this place. 

3 



22 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

corded against the English settlers. He had shown 
many acts of kindness towards the whites ; in all his 
intercourse with them had evinced a noble and mag- 
nanimous spirit ; had been the uniform friend and as- 
sistant of the first settlers of Rhode Island, and only 
seven years before his death had received into the 
bosom of his country, Mason and his little band of sol- 
diers from Hartford, and greatly assisted them in their 
conquest of the Pequods. 

The Narragansetts were determined to avenge the 
death of their chief. They were particularly exaspe- 
rated with Uncas, as he had entered into treaty with 
them for the release of the sachem, and hod already 
received, as they averred, a large quantity of wampum 
as a ransom for him. The Mohegans, on their part, 
denied that any wampum or other goods had been 
received by them, except small parcels which Mianti- 
nomoh himself had bestowed, as gratuities, upon their 
captains and counsellors, or given to "Uncas and his 
squaw, for preserving his life so long and using him 
courteously during his imprisonment." 

A harrassing and inveterate system of hostility be- 
tween the two tribes ensued. The Narragansetts 
were double in number to the Mohegans, but the latter 
were shielded by the protecting care of the English, 
so that a balance was preserved between the two 
nations, otherwise unequal. In Septeiiiber, 1614, a 
treaty was made at Hartford with the Narragansetts, by 
which the latter engaged to commit no hostile act 
against Uncns, until after the next year's time for 
planting corn, nor until after giving thirty day's notice 
either to tlie Governor of Massachusetts or Connecticut. 
This last stipulation was an idle one, to which the 
Indians could not have consented from any other 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 23 

motive than to keep the English quiet. They soon 
gave proof that they had no idea of being bound by it. 

In the spring of 1645, whether before or after plant- 
ing time does not appear, under the command of Pes- 
sacus, the brother of Miantinomoh, they invaded the 
Molicgan country with a large force, committed great 
devastation, and finally drove Uncas to his strongest 
fort and besieged him there. According to tradition 
this fort was on Shantok Point, a rough projection by 
the side of the Thames, nearly opposite Pocquetannok. 
The English had assisted Uncas in fortifying this spot. 
There is still a fine spring of water b}^ the bank. The 
position was easily defended, and the Narragansetts 
had no hope of taking it by assault. Many of the 
women and children had fled to the other side of the 
river, with a part of the canoes, but of the remainder 
the Narragansetts had taken possession, so as to cut off 
retreat on the water side, and thus enclosing them on 
this point of land, they hoped to subdue them by 
famine. How long the seige continued is not known; 
but one night a messenger despatched by Uncas, left 
the fort without being discovered by the besiegers, and 
creeping along the margin of the river very cautiously 
till without the range of the enemy's scouts, he crossed 
the coimtry with Indian speed, and arrived the next 
day at Saybrook, the nearest English settlement, 
where he made known the desperate situation of the 
Mohegans. Or perhaps Trumbull's account may be 
more correct, — that he fell in with a scouting party from 
Saybrook fort, and communicated to them the message 
with which he was charged by Uncas. 

Capt. Mason was at that time commander of Say- 
brook fort, and a warm friend to Uncas ; there can be 
little doubt, therefore, that though he aflbrded him no 
relief in his ofiicial capacity, he favored and assisted 



24 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

the enterprJze undertaken by others. Thomas Lef- 
fing-well has hitherto been considered the only promi- 
nent person in this exploit, but some subsequent pro- 
ceedings which have recently been brought to light, 
lead to the supposition, although they do not incontest- 
ably prove the point, that Thomas Tracy and Thomas 
Miner had also some share in the adventure. 

The version usually given of this undertaking, and 
which, as there is no record to contradict it, we may 
assume as substantially correct, is this : Thomas Lef- 
fingwell, a bold and spirited young man, (though not 
then an ensign, as stated by Trumbull,) left Saybrook 
in a canoe that would carry twenty cwt., laden with 
beef, corn, pease, &c., entered Pequot river in the night, 
and bad the address to get the supplies into the fort of 
Uncas, without being discovered by the enemy. Tracy 
and Miner may have been engaged in the enterprize, 
and were perhaps in the boat with Leffingwcll, for it 
would require more than one resolute heart and stal- 
wart arm to carry the bark on its way with sufficient 
epeed. It is probable that Leffingwell had often been 
on trading excursions to Mohegan, and was well ac- 
quainted with Pequot river, and the position of Shan- 
tok fort. We know in general that the people of 
Saybrook were in the habit of coming into tlie river to 
trade with the Indians, and that Trading Cove, which 
afterwards became the southern boundary of Norwich, 
was a name bestowed by them long anterior to the set- 
tlement. 

A fanciful legend has in later times been connected 
with this adventure. It would be diiriciilt now to as- 
certain what degree of truth belongs to it. It is said 
that the expected relief from Saybrook was delayed 
much longer than the hungry and impatient Mohegans 
had anticipated ; and that each night Uncas left the 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 25 

fort, and skulking by the water-s edge, came to a 
rocky and precipitous ledge which juts out into the 
stream, and is now called Hosier's island in the neigh- 
borhood, from one Hosier since drowned in the deep 
water near it. It is not, however, an island except in 
a very iiigh flood. Here, under shelter of the rock, 
the sachem remained till nearly day-light, with his 
sleepless eyes upon the river, and his ear intent to 
catch the lightest sound of a falling oar, and it was 
not till the second or third night of his watch that Lef- 
fingwcll arrived. A cavity or recess in this ledge, 
well known to the fishermen and oyster gatherers on 
the river, has since obtained the naiue of Uncas^ 
Chair. 

No sooner was this timely supply of provisions safely 
lodged in the fortress, than loud shouts of exultation 
were uttered by the besieged, to the astonislunent of 
the Narragansetts, who were unable to divine the 
cause of this midnight triumph. At the dawn of day, 
however, the secret was disclosed ; the Mohegans ele- 
vated a large piece of beef on a pole, and thus gave 
notice of tlie relief they had obtained.* The Narra- 
gansetts dared not assail either the persons or property 
of the English, but we can readily b(>licve (bat they 
beheld the boat lying by tlie shore with bitter feelings 
of exaspcn-ation, and poured out a torrent of threats 
and invectives against its officious owners. That they 
saw Leffingwell and knew it was he that brought tlie 
supplies, is evident from Lcfifingwell's own testimony, 
as will soon appear. Finding that there was no 
chance of reducing the Mohegans while they were 

* Many of the minuter circumstances of tliis seige rest only on tro 
dition, but it is tradition gathered many years since from the Mohe- 
gans themselves, and current from father to son among both them and 
their while neighbors^ 

3* 



26 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

thus supported, the Nairagansetts abandoned the seige 
and returned home. 

It is probable that Leffingwell and his associates re- 
mained at JVlohegan till after the departure of the 
invaders. Ascending Fort Hill and beholding the 
pleasant liills and vallies that stretched to the north of 
the Indian villages, untenanted and untilled, they may 
have conceived the design of a plantation in that 
quarter. Uncas in his present situation would wil- 
lingly encourage such a project, as an English colony 
w^ould serve as a barrier of defence to his settlements. 
It is not, therefore, unlikely that he did at this time 
make large promises of land to his benefactors, in 
requital for the aid they had rendered him, and give 
them an urgent invitation to settle in his neigliborhood. 
Trumbull says, " For this service Uncas gave said Lef- 
fingwell a deed of great part if not the whole town of 
Norwich." There is, however, no such deed on re- 
cord, and no allusion to any such deed in subsequent 
transactions ; nor does it appear afterwards, upon the 
settlement of the town, that Leffingwcll received or 
claimed any larger share than the otlier propiietors. 

In a volume of misc(>llaneous papers recently filed 
and placed in books in tlie oHice of the Secretary of 
State, at Hartford, is an or'ginal petition of Leffing- 
well to the General Court, signed by his own hand, as 
follows : 

" To tho right worshli)ful Court assembled at Hartford. 
Whereas you are by God and his people, constituted a court 
of Justice, and have approved yourselves in matters of jus- 
tice, that I know you will be so far from obstructing amongst 
your people or foreigners as you have occation, that its your 
delight to do things which are equal, 1 am encouraged to 
recommend to your considerations a case depending between 
Uncas, the Mohegan Sachem, and myself Its not'unknown 
to him and others what damage in my outward estate I have 
sulfercd by his men, and yet notwithstanding, when he and 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 27 

his people were famishing, being besieged by many enemies, 
I did atibrd him provilion for their relief, although it was to 
the hazard of all my outward comforts, the enemy knowing 
what supply I had and did afford him ; upon tliese and such 
like reasons, Uncas hath several times oflired me some land 
for my recompense and just satisfaction, and hath expressed 
the same to the Major, who is acquainted with the truth of 
these things, but order requireth me to propound the matter 
to your worshipful considerations, desiring your approbation 
of the way Uncas hath propounded for my satisfaction. Its 
f^r from me to desire land in such place where my possessing 
of it might hinder a plantation worke, or any such public 
good, but providence presenting such an equal means for the 
relief of my family, by inclining the heart of a heathen to 
observe rules of justice and meete gratitude for that which 
he hath received, and this coming on without any importu- 
nity on my part, I hope your worships will not judge me 
guilty of inordynate seeking after that which I ought not, but 
1 would not be negligent in improving the present hint of 
Providence, so hoping you will not reject the proposition 
made, but show your worshipful approbation lor the most 
leal efiecting of it, and 1 ceaise giving you any further trou- 
ble, I remain your humble servant, 

Thomas Leffingwell." 
Norwich, May the 6, 1667. 

Thomas Tracy was at that time a member of the 
General Court, being- the deputy from jNorwich, and 
as appears from the result, preferred a petition at the 
same time, of similar import, although liis petuion has 
not been found on record. The Court considered them 
together, and gave liberty jointly to Thomas Leffing- 
well and Ensign Thomas Tracy, to receive a grant of 
land from Uncas, to be viewed and return made of it 
to the Court, for their further satisfaction. This re- 
turn was made at the autumnal session of the Court, 
the same year, and the final action upon it recoided 
as follow's : 

"October 10, 1667. This Court grants unto Ensign 

Thomas Tracy and Thomas Lethngwell, the sum of 400 

acres of land, to be equally divided between them. And this 

' Court desires Thomas Leffingwell, Ensign Thomas Tracy, 



23 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

and Sargsant Thotnas Miner, to agree together and lay out, 
each other, th^ir proportion, according to their grants in that 
land of the east side of Shetucket river." 

The deed of this grant is found upon the Court Re- 
cords, and also in the first book of deeds of the town of 
Preston, witliin whose bounds it lay, no part of it 
beinff witliin the limits of Norwich. It consisted of 
400 acres, in three several parcels, viz. 130 acres of 
upland, lying- north-east of Norwich bounds ; 40 acres 
of meadow and mowable land, on both sides of Ke- 
woutaquck river ; and 230 acres of upland, abutting 
to the S. E, on Stonington bounds. 

It is matter of regret that Tracy's claim is not more 
distinctly stated. We may infer from the record that 
he was largely, if not equally with Leffingwell, con- 
cerned in the relief of Uncas when besieged by the 
Narragansetts ; but yet we cannot positively say but 
that the grant may have been made for services ren- 
dered to the Sachem at some other time, and of a 
different nature.* 

Whatever was the nature or extent of the gift, 
promise, or invitation, given by Uncas to Leffingwell 
and his companions, it was allowed to remain dormant 
for nearly fourteen years. f The reason is evident. 
During the whole of this term, the Narragansetts, Ne- 

♦ Rev. F. P. Tracy, of Williamsburg, Mass. ha.«! prepai-ed a paper 
relating to this point which will probably be soon given to the public. 
It embraces the Leffingwell documents, in the Secretary's office, at 
large. Mr. Tracy is also engaged in antiquarian researches upon 
another point connected in some degree with Norwich history. He is 
collecting materials for a genealogical memoir of the descendants of 
Lieut. Thomas Tracy. 

t Some may think that too early a date has been given to the relief 
of Uncas by Leffingwell, and that the time when he was besieged by 
Pessacus, in 1G.57, is the more probable era of that event. The subject 
is not without difficulty. Historians have usually left it indefinite. 
If however this seige had taken place after the English had settled in 
any considiivable number at New London, Uncas would have been 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 29 

lianticks, Mohegans, and the renmant of the Pequods, 
were engaged in implacable wars. The results in- 
deed were triiling. It was a system of marauding, 
skulking and assassination, ralhor than of legitimate 
warfare, but such a state of tilings rendered it hazard- 
ous for tlie English to advance the frontier and attempt 
new settlements in that quarter. Tiie utmost vigil- 
ance, prudence and bravery, were for several years 
necessary to defend the points they had already 
assmned. 

Uncas had scarcely recovered from the eftectsof (hat 
invasion, from which the timely assistance of Leffmg- 
well relieved him, when his foes returned in still greater 
force, and threatened his entire amiihilation. Making 
a show of forty men only, they drew him into an am- 
bush, from which several hundred men rose, and dis- 
charging a shower of arrows and bullets, (for they had 
in this inroad thirty guns with then),) they did con- 
siderable execution, and pursued the Mohegans to the 
very walls of their forts.* Fortunately a few English 
soldiers were in the neighborhood, who hastened to 
his assistance, and at sight of them the Narragansetts 
retreated. Uncas in this engagement lost four cap- 
tains and several men, besides a considerable number 
wounded. During the remainder of the season, Hart- 
ford and New^ Haven kept a constant force at Mohe- 
gan. At length through the efforts of the English, a 
cessation from hostilities was agreed upon by the two 
tribes, but no permanent reconciliation was effected. 

About this time, and even while the war between 
the Narragansetts and Mohegans was raging- with the 
utmost fury, the younger Winthrop ventured to com- 
mence a settlement at Pequot Harbor, nov/ New Lon- 

more likely to apply for aid to his near nei!j;hbor, and kind personal 
friend Wintlirop, than to send to such a distance as Saybrook for it. 
* Letter of Peters referred to before. 



30 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

don. Mr. Winthrop's family, Mr. Thomas Peters, and 
a few Others, were upon the ground early in the spring 
of 1645, and these every year increasing, were soon 
organized into a permanent town. In 1648, the set- 
tlement contained fort}^ famihes. This enterprise was 
attended with comparatively little danger, as the 
friendly Mohegans lay between them and the discon- 
tented tribes. It would have been quite another thing 
to have stepped beyond the Mohegans, and settled 
between them and the Narragansetts. Mr. Winthrop 
performed many friendly services for his Indian neigh- 
bors. After tlie last mentioned battle with the Narra- 
gansetts, he visited Uncas at his fort, and in conjunc- 
tion with Mr. Peters, assisted in dressing the wounds 
of more than thirty of his warriors. 

So late as the year 1657, we still find the Indians 
engaged in implacable wars. Pessacus of Narragan- 
sett, could not forget the murder of his brother, and 
seems to have felt that he could not die in peace while 
his great enemy lived. He therefore collected all his 
forces for another onslaught. Uncas was once more 
besieged in his fortress, and only preserved from des- 
truction as before, by the appearance of a band of 
English soldiers. This timely assistance enabled the 
Mohegans to turn upon their invaders, whom they pur- 
sued with such fury, that they were driven like fright- 
ened sheep, through the woods into thickets and 
streams, and cut down without mercy. So great was 
tlie panic of tlie fugitives, that they seemed literally 
bereft of tlieir senses. Long afterwards some old 
Mohegans used to boast among their English neigh- 
bors, of having found in the chase a poor Narragan- 
sett, struggling and panting in the thicket that bor- 
dered the river, and so frantic as to suppose himself 
in the water, and actually attempting to swim among 
the bushes ! 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 31 

It is to this rout that tlie traditionary legend con- 
nected with the Falls of the Yantic probably belongs. 
One band of the fugitives being turned out of the direct 
line leading to the fords of the Yantic, were chased 
through woods, and over rocks and hills, by the relent- 
less fury of their pursuers, and coming upon the river 
where the current was deep and rapid, many of them 
were driven into it headlong, and there slaughtered or 
drowned. Others in the rapidity of their career, hav- 
ing suddenly reached the high precipice that overhangs 
the cataract, plunged, either unawares, or with reck- 
less impetuosity into the abyss be neatii, and were dashed 
upon the rocks, their mangled bodies floating down 
into the calm basin below. According to tradition, 
two Englishmen from Saybrook chanced to be in the 
track of this expedition. Tliey were exploring the 
banks of the Yantic to fix upon the site of their future 
township, and were digging ground-nuts to satisfy their 
hunger, upon the side hill, near Avhere Mrs. Daniel 
Coit's house now stands, when they heard the shouts 
of the conquerors, as they drove the Narragansetts over 
the river, and saw the fugitives as they came rushing 
through the valley, and over Sentry and Long Hill 
towards the Shetucket. 

Notwithstanding these constant alarms, the next 
year ten or twelve families settled at Stonington, on 
the Indian frontier, and apparently open to hostile 
incursions. Dangers of this kind had become so famil- 
iar that they had lost their terror. The providence of 
God seemed to be preparing the way for the peaceable 
settlement of the whites, by permitting the deadly pas- 
sions of the Indians to take their full scope, and make 
them instruments of each other's destruction. The 
wilderness was thus thinned of its obstructions, and 
prepared to receive its new inhabitants. 



CHAPTER III 



Preparations for a Settlement. 



No accurate list of the early inhabitants of Saybrook, 
the mother town of Norwich, can now be obtained. 
A fort was built at that place, and a garrison estab- 
lished by the younger Winthrop, in the winter of 
1635, which took the form of a regular settlement, on 
the ariival of Mr. Fenwick with his family, and other 
emigrants from England, in 1639. Accessions w^ere 
afterwaids made to the planters from various other 
towns in (he colonies. Many of the emigrants from 
the old world were long in fixing upon a permanent 
resting place, and we can frequently track thtm about 
from town to town, through all the New" England col- 
onies. The records of Saybrook do not reach back 
beyond 16C0, and it was formerly supposed that the 
previous records had been removed, by Mr. Fitch, to 
Norwich. No evidence of this, however, has been 
found in Norwich. In the books of this town, there 
is not a single item which looks back beyond (he date 
of the plantation, 1660, except the purchase deed of 
the town, an allusion to an agreement made at Say- 
brook with John Elderkin rtdative to a town mill, 
and a few marriages and births, which had taken place 
previously, but were recorded in connection with others 
of the same family afterwards. 

A company for the settlement of a plantation at 
Mohegan seems to have been formed at Saybrook, as 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 33 

early as 1653 or 4. The majority of the signers were 
inhabitants of tliat place, and probably members in 
full connnunion, of Mr. Fitch's church. Whether this 
was the case with Capt. John Mason, the most promi- 
nent person in the company, has been doubted, but 
upon what grounds other than that he was a man of 
impetuous passions and martial deeds, does not appear. 
Other names were from time to time, added to the 
company's list, from various places, until they amount- 
ed to thirty-five in number. Capt. Mason was more 
conversant with Indian affairs than any other English- 
man in the country. He had been the friend and ad- 
viser of Uncas for twenty-four years, and had frequent- 
ly visited him in his territory, to aid him by his coun- 
sel or his arms. He was, therefore, well acquainted 
with the adjacent country, and may have been the first 
to fix his eye upon the head of the Thames, as an 
advantageous position for a town. It is certain that 
all his influence was exerted to promote the projected 
settlement in that quarter. 

In June, 1659, Uncas and his two sons, Owaneco 
and Attawanhood, (alias Joshua,) appeared at Say- 
brook and signed a deed of conveyance, which gave 
to the company a legal right and title to a tract of land 
at Mohegan, nine miles square. Seventy pounds was 
to be given in compensation for the land. Previous 
to this, in 1640, Connecticut had purchased of Uncas 
all his lands not actually used as planting grounds by 
the tribe, so that Norwich appears to have been twice, 
(and if a conveyance was ever made to Leffingwell, 
three times,) solemnly transferred from the aborigines 
to the whites, and an equivalent each time given. 

" On just and equal terms the land was gained ; 
No force of arms hath any right obtained." 



34 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

The oldest remaining copy of the original deed of 
this tract bears the date of 1663, and this appears to 
have been a new instrument, formally acknowledged 
and signed that year, and recorded at Hartford and 
Norwich. That it is not a literal copy of the convey- 
ance made at Saybrook, in 1659, is evident from the 
phrase, " Town and Inhabitants of Norwich." At 
that time, and for the first year or two after the settle- 
ment, the place had no other name than Mohegan* 

DEED OF NORWICH— [As recorded in the Town Book.] 

Know all men that Onkos, Owaneco, Attawanhood, Sa- 
chems of Moheagen have bargained, sold, and passed over, 
and doe by these presents sell and pass over unto the Towne 
and inhabitants of Norwich nine miles square of land lying 
and being at Moheagen and the parts thereunto ajoyneing, 
with all ponds, rivers, woods, quarries, mines, with all roy- 
alties, privileges, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, to 
them the said inhabitants of Norwich, theire heirs and suc- 
cessors forever — the said lands are to be bounded as follow- 
eth (viz.) to the southward on the west side of the Great 
River, ye line is to begin at the brooke falling into the head 
of Trading Cove, and soe to run west norwest seven miles — 
from thence the line to run nor northeast nine miles, and on 
the East side the afores'd river to the southward the line is 
to joyne with New London bounds as it is now laid out and 
soe to run east two mih>s from the foresd river, and soe from 
thence the line is to run nor noreast nine miles and from 
thence to run nor norwest nine miles to meet with the western 

line, In consideration whereof the sd Onkos, Owaneco 

and Attawanhood doe acknowledge to have received of the 
parties aforesd the full and juste sum of seventy pounds and 
doe promise and engage ourselves, heirs and successors, to 
warant the sd bargin and sale to the aforesd parties, their 



* The original deed is not now extant. The author recoilects to 
have heard Elisha Hyde, Esq., say that he had seen it: that it was 
brought from Hartford, and exhibited at the time when the great Mason 
controversy was tried in Norwich, and was afterwards in the posses- 
sion of his uncle, Richard Hyde, Esq., who was retained on the Mo- 
hegan side in that case. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 35 

heirs and successors, and them to defend from all claimes and 

molestations from any whatsoever. — In witness whereof we 
have hereunto set to our hands this 6th of June, Anno 1659. 



€([ 



Unkos L I w'-^ his marke 



OwANECo CL^^iV^^ marke 

Attawanhood — ■<^C-tr"'7T""^^ marke 

Witness hereunto 
John Mason 
Thomas Tracy. 

This deed is recorded in the Country Booke Agust 20th 
1663 : as atests John Allyn, Sec'y- 

The bounds of this tract, as more particularly descri- 
bed in the first volume of the Proprietors' Records, 
were as follows ; 

The line commenced at the mouth of Trading Cove, 
where the brook falls into the cove ; thence VV. N. W. 
seven miles to a Great Pond, [now in the corner of 
Bozrah and Colchester,] the limit in this direction 
being denoted by a black oak marked N that stood 
near the outlet of the " Great Brook that runs out of 
the pond to Norwich river ;'' thence N. N. E. nine 
miles to a black oak standing on the south side of the 
river, [Shetuckot,] "a little above Maw-mi-ag-waug"; 
thence S. S. E. nine miles, crossing the Shetucket and 
the Quinebaug, and passing thiough " a Seader Swamp 
called Catantaquck," to a white oak tree, marked N, 
thirteen rods beyond a brook called Quo-qui-qua-soug, 
the space from the Quinebaug to this tree being just 



36 HISTORY OP NORWICH. 

one mile and fifty-eight rods ; thence S. S. W. nine 
miles to a white oak marked N, where NorAvich and 
New London bounds join ; thence W. on the New 
London bounds two miles to Mohegon river, opposite 
the mouth of Trading Cove brook, where the first line 
began. 

The southern boundary line, it will be observed, is 
nine miles in length, two east of the river, and seven 
west, without counting the breadth of the Thames, and 
the length of Trading Cove to the mouth of the brook, 
which would make this line nearly ten miles long. 
This seems to be little better than an imposition upon 
the Indians, who had granted in the deed only a tract 
nine miles square. Some uneasiness being produced 
by this, and an explanation demanded, the proprietors 
stated that the River and Cove were left out of the 
measurement, in compensation for a right reserved by 
the Indians, of using the waters for fishing and other 
conveniences. 

Immediately after the conveyance of this tract to the 
English, Major Mason, who had that year been chosen 
Deputy Governor of the Colony, was commissioned by 
the General Court to purchase of Uncas and his brother 
Waweequaw, all the remainder of the Mohegan lands 
not actually occupied by the tribe. In this business 
he was successful ; a deed of cession being obtained, 
signed at Mohegan, August, 1659, and undoubtedly 
made in behalf of the colony, though this fact was 
afterwards denied by Mason's descendants. This 
business kept Major Mason several weeks in the Mohe- 
gan country. The Say brook proprietors, of whom he 
was one, were at the same time engaged in surveying 
their new township, laying out their homelots, and 
preparing for a removal the next j-ear ; and it was a 
great advantage to them, to have one at hand, to aid 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 37 

them by those personal services and judicious counsels, 
which the wisdom and experience of Mason rendered 
so valuable. This was the fourth town of which he 
had been one of the founders. The other three were 
Dorchester, Hartford and Saybrook. 

It is not probable that the proprietors found a single 
white resident upon the tract. In some places the for- 
ests had been thinned of their undergrowth by fires, 
to afford scope for the Indians in fheir passionate love 
of the chase, and the beaver had done his part towards 
clearing the lowlands and banks of the rivers. A few 
wigwams were scattered here and tliere, the occasional 
abodes of wandering families of Indians at certain sea- 
sons of the year, who came hither for supplies of fish, 
fruit, or game ; and the summits of some of the hills 
were crowned with disorderly heaps of stones, showing 
where some rude defence had been constructed in the 
course of their wars. But in every other respect the 
land was in its natural wild state. It was a laborious 
task to cut down trees, to burn the underbrush, to 
mark out roads and pathways, to throw temporary 
bridges over the runs of water, and to collect materials 
for building. A highway was opened from the Yantic 
meadows to Mason's Swamp, at the head of the Little 
Plain, following the windings of the Yantic, on each 
side of which, the proprietary home lots were laid out, 
and sheds and wigwams erected for temporary shelter. 
A pathway was likewise cleared from the centre of (he 
settlement, to the Indian landing place below the Falls 
of the Yantic, near the head of the Cove. This path 
coincided in part with the present Mill Lane, and was 
the most eligible route by which the effects of the 
planters could be conveyed. These arrangements were 
made in November, 1659. A few persons probably 

remained on the ground during the winter. 

4* 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Settlement, and Settlers. 



The Town Plot* was laid out among the windings 
of a pleasant vale, bordered by the rapid circuitous 
Yantic, and overlooked by ridges of hills. The home- 
lots comprised a strip several acres in breadth, on each 
side of the Yantic, being mostly river lands, and con- 
sisting each of a certain portion of meadow and pas- 
ture. As these lots were afterwards registered, the 
names of the proprietors, and the order of their loca- 
tion, can be pretty nearly ascertained. Beginning at 
the N. W. extremity of the Town Plat, the order of 
settlement was as follows : — John Pease, John Tracy, 
John Baldwin, Jonathan Royce, Robert AUyn, Francis 
Griswold, Nehemiah Smith, and Thomas Howard : — 
John Calkins, Hugh Calkins, Ensign William Backus, 
Richard Egenon, Thomas Post, John Gadger ; — and 
on tlie opposite side of the town street, with no river 
land attached to iheir homelots, Samuel Hide and 
William Hide. Then again upon the river, Morgan 
Bowers, Robert Wade, John Birchard, John Post, 
Thomas Bingham, Thomas Waterman. Around the 
Plain were Major John Mason, Rev. Mr. Fitch, Mr. 
Simon Huntington and Stephen Giffords. From the 
Plain, the street made a detour to avoid a dense and 

♦ In the Records, Plot or Plat, is used indifferently; sometimes it is 
spelt Plutt. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 39 

miry thicket. In this section were Lieut. Thomas 
Tracy, and nearly opposite to him, John Bradford : — 
Christopher Huntington, Thomas Adgate, and John 
Holmsted ; where the street again approached the 
river, Stephen Backus, Thomas Bliss, and John Ron- 
alds. On the other side of the highway, more upon 
the upland, were Sergeant Thomas Leffingwell and 
Josiah Reed. Richard Wnllis and Richard Hendys 
were also among the first planters upon the ground. 
Their homelots were near together, and not far from 
the meeting-house plain ; hut the location is not well 
ascertained. This makes the number of settlers thirty- 
eight, though it has been generally supposed that but 
thirty-five signed the town purchase. 

The impression made by the scenery upon the minds 
of the planters, at their first arrival, must have been 
on the w^holc of a hopeful though solemn charac- 
ter. The frowning ledges of rock, with which the 
place so peculiarly abounds, and the immense prepon- 
derance of forest, chastened the landscape almost into 
gloom. Many of the rocky heights were rendered im- 
pervious with stunted cedar, spruce, hemlock, juniper, 
savin, and the whole family of evergreen trees. The 
uplands and declivities were covered with groves of 
oak, walnut, chestnut and maple, and having been 
partially cleared of underwood, were designated as 
Indian hunting grounds. The lowlands were dense 
with alder, willow, hazlenut, and other shrubs ; and 
the plains, now so smooth and grassy, were rough 
with bogs and stumps, mullein, thistle, and various 
unsightly weeds. The inequalities of the ground 
were much greater than at present. Running waters 
now scantily trickling down the rocks, or murnuuing 
over a few small stones, were then rushing torrents, 
and the little brooks that creep under (he streets in 



40 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

concealed channels, were broad streams, to be forded 
with care, or avoided by tedious circuits. Flowering 
plants and shrubs were comparatively abundant, and 
the settlers. must have been regaled with a succession 
of scents and blossoms, from the arbutus, the shad 
flower, the dog"-wood, the early honeysuckle, and the 
laurel, which at the time of their removal, were in 
bloom. Birds and animals of almost every species be- 
longing to the climate, were numerous to an uncom- 
mon degree, and the hissing of snakes, as well as the 
howling of wolves and bears, must soon have become 
familiar to their ears. To complete the view, it may 
be added, that the streams swarmed with fish and wild 
fowl ; in the brooks and meadows were found the 
beaver and the otter, and through the whole scene 
stalked at intervals the Indian and the deer. 

On this spot, the hardy race of Puritans sat down 
with a determination to make the wilderness smile 
around them, to build up the institutions of religion 
and education, and to leave their children members of 
a secure and cultivated community. They were a 
fearless and resolute people, most of them being men 
of tried fortitude and experience, upright and devout, 
industrious and enterprising. Though assembled 
from many different places, they were bound together 
by a common faith, a common interest, and a common 
danger. They were an associated body, both in their 
civil and ecclesiastical capacity, and only a few wrecks 
were necessary to give them the form and stability of 
a well-ordered society. 

The Mohegans assisted them greatly in removing 
their goods and preparing their habitations. The 
number of the tribe at this period, cannot be precisely 
ascertained, but as this was about the time of its great- 
est prosperity, the whole number may be estimated at 



HISTORY OP NORWICH. 41 

2,000 ; the warriors at 400. For several months they 
kept a continual watch and guard around their white 
friends, and held themselves in readiness to defend 
them from all enemies. The Narragansetts were ex- 
ceedingly irritated at the plantation, as forming an 
obstacle to their future inroads upon the Mohegan 
territories. For the same reason, it was peculiarly 
agreeable to Uncas, and he seems to have regarded 
the infant settlement with especial interest. He built 
wigwams on the highest hills, where he kept an ad- 
vanced guard, and on the slightest alarm, would as- 
semble his warriors on the exposed borders of the town, 
to protect it from danger. The situation of the place, 
presenting on the north and east, a naked frontier to 
the hostile tribes, was peculiarly hazardous. It is said, 
that during the first summer, a hostile band approach- 
ed the settlement with a determination to break it up 
and expel the planters. It was a Sabbath morning, 
and their scouts creeping close to the town, saw the 
muskets of the citizens, stacked near the meeting- 
house, where they were assembled to worship, some 
of the houses fortified, cannon mounted, and Mohegan 
sentinels stationed on the hills ; on carrying back this 
report to their comrades, they wore intimidated, and 
relinquished their design. 

The earliest act that has been found recorded in the 
town books bears the date of December 11, 1660, and 
is a renewal of a contract stated to have been made at 
Saybrook, in 1654, between John Elderkin on the one 
hand, and "the town of Moheagan" on the other, to 
erect a corn mill either on the land of John Pease, or 
at Noman's acre, to be completed liefore November 1, 
1661, imder penalty of forfeiting ^£20 in money. The 
toll allowed was one-sixteenth, and a tract of land 
was to be given in compensation for the mill. 



42 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

The Indians extended the term Mohegan over the 
whole tract hetween the Yantic and Shetncket, now 
comprising Norwich and Lisbon. This whole territory 
was Mohegan, but for particular portions of it, they 
had individual names, eacli with an appropriate mean- 
ing. Thus their villages on the banks of the Thames 
were Shantok, Pumma-chog, and Massa-peag. This 
last name signifies a place j or fishing. Some have de- 
rived the word Moheag' from a term .signifying a rasp- 
herry^ and have supposed that Norwich was originally 
and peculiarly, the Moheagan^ i. e. raspherry lands, 
of the tribe, on account of the abundance of that fruit 
found here, and the custom of the Indians to come in 
bands at the proper season to obtain a supply. This 
explanation is derived entirely from tradition, and not 
from a knowledge of the meaning of the word in the 
Indian language. Certain it is, however, that the 
early settlers and their tawny neighbors used to ex- 
change civilities in respect to their peculiar natural 
commodities. The English would make excursions 
to the Indian lands in strawberry time, while the In- 
dians considered it their privilege to come at the proper 
season, with large sacks and baskets to gather rasp- 
berries and whortleberries, in the rocky glens and 
pastures of this their alienated territory. 

The name Norwich was given to the place about 
1662. In some old deeds recorded in New London, it 
is called New-Norwich. Although the name was be- 
stowed in honor of Norwich in England, from which 
place it is supposed a considerable number of the set- 
tlers emigrated, this fact has not been positively ascer- 
tained, with respect to any of them but the family of 
Huntingtons. The original meaning of the word ren- 
ders its application in this case peculiarly appropriate. 
In the old Saxon language it signifies North-Castle, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 43 

and the formidable piles of rocks found here, might 
easily suggest the idea of towers and battlements. 

The homelots consisted in general of five or six acres 
each. One of the largest portions was that of Mr. 
Fitch, which consisted of eleven and a half acres. 
His house was on the plain, fronting the N. W. He 
brought with him two sons, from Saybrook, of the re- 
spective ages of eleven and five years. On arriving 
at manhood they built houses near their father's, and 
soon became conspicuous men and able leaders in 
public affairs. The meeting-house stood upon the 
area of the plain, and was probably erected previous 
to the removal of the planters ; as otherwise we might 
expect some notice of its erection to have been found 
upon record among the town acts. 

Major Mason's home lot consisted of eight acres ; 
his house stood near the river, not far from the place 
where it is now spanned by the Court-house bridge. 
Mr. Simon Huntington built on the corner where 
stands the house of the late Mr. Joseph Huntington. 
Tliomas Tracy had a nine acre lot, east of Simon 
Huntington. The road around the square at that 
time, ran over the brow of the hill, in the rear of the 
Coit and Lathrop houses, and where it came out and 
turned south, Lieut. Lefiingwell's house was situated. 
It stood high upon the rock, nearly opposite the pres- 
ent residence of John Hyde, Es({. The houses of 
Thomas Bliss and John Reynolds were upon the very 
sites where their descendants still live. 

Each homestead had a tract of pasture land included 
in it, or laid out as near to it as was convenient. 
Where the street approached the river, the planters 
had their pasture lots, in the same line with the house 
lots on the opposite side of the stream. 

Several farms were laid out during the first year, in 



44 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

the vicinity of the town plot, and every succeeding 
year added to their number. New inhabitants were 
provided with homelots in unappropriated lands, and 
at intervals, public divisions were made of certain por- 
tions of the tract, among- all the accepted inhabitants 
or freeholders. In April, 1661, the first division land 
was laid out, (this included the Little Plain;) in 1663, 
the second division land, which lay towards Lebanon, 
and in 1668, the third, upon Quinebaug river. After 
a few years, almost every citizen owned land in eight 
or ten different parcels. For the first eighty or one 
hundred years, very few^ of the homesteads seem to 
have been alienated. They passed from one occupant 
to another, by quiet inheritance, and in many cases 
were split into two or three portions, among the sons, 
who settled down by the side of their fathers. In 
many instances, they have remained in the same fam- 
ily and name to the present day. The first alienation 
of a home lot, on record, is that of Robert Wade, who 
soon after the settlement, transferred his right to Caleb 
Abell, having first obtained the consent of the town. 

The first child was born in August, 1660, viz. : 
Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Hide and Jane Lee, 
who had been married the preceding year at Saybrook. 
The house in which this child was born stood on a 
declivity, sloping to the town street, in the rear of the 
spot where the house stands which was the residence 
of Elisha Hyde, Esq., deceased. At that time there 
was an open space a few rods square in front, since 
occupied by a house and garden. Here were the 
home lots of the two Hides, and liere their immediate 
descendants, fathers and sons, lived. Capt. William 
Hide, the son of Samuel, built around this space three 
houses for his three oldest sons, reserving the home- 
stead for his fourth son. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 45 

The second birth was also a female, Anne, daughter 
of Thomas Bliss, born in September. 

The first born male child was Christopher, son of 
Christopher and Ruth Huntington, Nov. 1. There is 
no record of any other births during the year 1660. 
In 1661 five births are recorded, viz. : 

Elizabeth, daiigter of Jonathan Royce and Debo- 
rah Calkins, January. 

John, Son of William Backus, . February. 

Sarah, daughter of John Burchard, . May. 

John, son of John Calkins, . . . July. 

Abigail, daughter of Thomas Adgate, August. 

Christopher Huntington, the first born male, lived 
to a good old age. The broad and venerable head- 
stone to his grave states that he exercised for forty 
years the office of deacon in the church. One of his 
grand-children, who held the same ofiice for almost as 
long a period. Deacon Caleb Huntington, died in 1842, 
aged ninety-three. 

This brings the whole duration of Norwich into the 
compass of three generations. It diminishes the time 
since the settlement to a narrow compass, and seems 
to place our ancestors distinctly before us. 

The earliest death on record is that of Sarah, wife 
of Thomas Post, who died in March, 1661, and was 
buried in a corner of her husband's home lot, " ad- 
joining Goodman Gadger's lot." From these two lots 
an area of about ten rods square, enclosing the grave 
of Sarah Post, was afterwards laid out by the town as a 
place of public interment. 

Th(; first marriage has not been ascertained. It is 
doubtful whether there was a wedding in Norwich till 
Thomas Post married again, in 1663. 

Most of the proprietors were men of mature years, 
and several of them had large families. Others among 
5 



46 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 



them had long been wanderers and pilgrims seeking 
a home ; having emigrated from the old country in 
youth, and since that period passing from place to 
place, till they collected at Saybrook and joined the 
company that was forming for a new township. In 
anticipation of the settlement several marriages had 
taken place at Saybrook within two or three years 
previous ; but still it is inferred that six or eight of the 
proprietors were bachelors, as their marriages are sub- 
sequently recorded without reference to any former 
connection. The Rev. Mr. Fitch was a widower. 

The affairs both of the town and society, civil and 
ecclesiastical, were all recorded together, until the 
year 1720. The volumes are labeled, Town Books of 
Acts, Votes, Grants, &c. They contain also an account 
of the freemen, strays, cattle-marks, lost goods, and 
occasionally a record of a justice's court. Afterwards 
the town and society affairs were separated, and the 
latter kept by themselves in a volume entitled " The 
Town-Plot Society Records." In the first books, 
dates are confounded and subjects intermixed with a 
strange degree of negligence. Some of the records 
seem to have been made promiscuously, with the book 
upside down, or upriglit, as it happened ; and forward 
or backward, wherever there was a blank space. The 
earliest notices relate to the granting of lands, appoint- 
ing fence-viewers, erecting public pounds, gates and 
fences, stating highways, felling trees, and regulating 
the running at large of swine, rams, and other domestic 
animals. These were the first subjects of legislation, 
and the first officers were Townsmen, sometimes called 
Overseers, and afterwards Selectmen. They were at 
first only two in number, and the first whose names have 
been found mentioned, were Hugh Calkins for the west 
end of the town, and Christopher Huntington for the 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 47 

east. Tlioy were empowered to call public meetings, 
to take cog-nizance of all oirences against law, order, 
and morality ; to settle differences, and try cases of 
small value. Some of the earliest entries are the fol- 
lowing. 

Jan. 6, 1661. "Chosen by the town, Thomas Tracy, 
Thomas Leffiiif^well and Francis Griswold, with the Towns- 
men, to end all disputes value of forty shillings, and their 
power to adjudicate is according to the power the Court 
usually grants in cases of that nature. Voted." 

Aug. 2S, 1661. " It is ordered by the town, that the sur- 
vaiers have power to call men out to work in the high waies, 
and if any refuse to go at their call to hire another in his 
room, and pay him 3s. 6d. y' day. And the survaiers have 
also power to destrain the goods of such as refuse to worke, 
for the payment of those that workes in their room. Voted." 

The regulation of swine was a subject brought up at 
almost every public meeting for a number of years. 
Innumerable were the perplexities, the votes and the 
reconsiderations respecting them. Sometimes they 
were ordered to be rung and yoked, at others not : some- 
times strictly confined, and then again suffered to go at 
large. There is no municipal act of those early days 
introduced with such prosy solemnity as the report of 
a committee on this subject, accepted and confirmed 
by the town, the substance of which was, that " in the 
time of acorns, we judge it may be profitable to suffer 
swine two months or thereabouts to go in the woods 
without rings." 

Yokes for swine were to be two feet in length, and 
six inches above the neck. 

The following entry is from the Records of (he Gen. 
Court, at Hartford, May 10, 1G79. 

" Whereas, Uncas his son hath damnified Thomas Tracy, 
Jun., in his swine, and Uncas is willing to make him satis- 
faction for the same in land, this Court grants him liberty to 



48 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

receive of Uncas to the value of 100 acres of land for the 
said damage, if he see cause to grant it him, provided it be 
not prejudicial to any plantation or former grant made by the 
Court. Lt. Thomas Tracy and Lt. Thomas Leffingwell are 
appointed to lay out this grant to the said Thomas Tracy, 
Jun., according to this grant." 

The recording' of cattle marks was a work of no 
small labor, and one which the increasing herds made 
every year, more and more arduous. The pasture 
lands being mostly held in common, and private fences 
often rude and insecure, and therefore strays frequent, it 
was absolutely necessary, that each man's cattle should 
bear a peculiar mark, and that this mark should be 
made matter of public record. These marks were 
made on the ear, and were of this kind — a cross, a 
half-cross, a hollow cross, a slit perpendicular, hori- 
zontal or diagonal, one, two, or three notches, a penny, 
two pennies, or a half-penny, a crop or a half-crop, a 
swallow-tail, a three-cornered hole, &c. 

All public affairs were transacted town-wise ; and 
of course some mistakes were made in their legislation, 
which experience or mature deliberation corrected. 
Occasionally, under a town vote, which had been re- 
corded, an endorsement, to this purport, is found: 
" Ondon next meeting." 

The grist-mill — after many attempts to erect one in 
the Town Plot, upon waters which either failed in sum- 
mer, or ran off furiously with all incumbrances at the 
spring freshets, was finally established upon the Cove 
below the Falls. Forty acres on the south side of the 
Little Plain side hills, upon the cove, were given to 
the mill, " to lye to it with the Landing Place, for the 
use of the town," and to be improved by John Elder- 
kin, the miller. A tract of land along " the Mill 
River," above and below the Falls, was granted to 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 49 

Eldcrkin, and in 1680, the town also voted to him 
" the island that lyeth before his house at the Mill 
Falls." 

Elderkin's grant covered the Indian burying-place, 
which had been guarantied to Uncas l)y the town. 
In the first division of the common l;»nds, April, 1661, 
" the Indian Graves''^ was included in the grant to 
Thomas Tracy; upon which the town, by way of ex- 
change, gave him eight acres of pasture land in anoth- 
er place. And though the same spot was afterwards 
granted to Elderkin, it w^as stipulated that the Indians 
should always be allowed to pass and repass up the 
cove and ravine to their burying-place, and to cut 
wood, if they chose, half-way up the side hill. These 
})rivileges were reiterated in succeeding acts of the 
town, and the land is still held with this reservation of 
the Indian right. 

Though Norwich was a place of frequent resort with 
the Indians, and anterior to the English settlement, 
their hunting field and battle ground, very few memo- 
rials of the red race have been found within its pre- 
cincts. That race indeed seem to have lived and died 
from "generation to generation, without ever passing 
out of themselves, and stamping an evidence of their 
existence, either upon the material forms around them, 
or the annals of time. They pass over the earth like 
the wind, or melt away like a dream, and leave no 
vestige behind, or if any, it is but the names that they 
bestowed on the hills and streams. These still linger 
among us, and always have a wild and melancholy 
sound, recalling the dark history and sad fate of the 
departed owners of the land. 

The only aboriginal relic of any note left in the town, 
is the Sachem's Burial Ground above mentioned. A 
few skeletons, supposed to have belonged to Indians, 
5* 



50 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

have, at various times been disinterred in other places, 
but nothing- of interest has been discovered. 

There were three places within the bounds of Nor- 
wich, where, if any dependence is to be placed upon 
traditionary names, we may locate an Indian fortifica- 
tion : viz. upon Waweecos Hill, at the Landing, which 
was called by the first settlers, Fort Hill — on Little Fort 
Hill near the Great Plains — and on the south side of 
the Yantic, in the town plot, on a rugged and woody, 
height, soiuh-east of the place where the Hammer 
Brook comes in. It is difficult to conceive for what 
purpose a fort could have been erected upon this barren 
and secluded spot ; but a tradition has always been 
current among the inhabitants on the opposite side of 
the river, and particularly among the Hides and Posts, 
who first owned the spot, that here was an ancient 
Indian fortress. It consisted merely of a stone wall, 
enclosing an area upon the brow of a hill. The stones 
were removed about the year 1790, and used in the 
building of a cellar, and for other purposes, by the 
owner of the land. 



CHAPTER V 



Houses. Books. Schools. Food 



The first houses were generally of one story ; the 
better sort two stories in front, ending in a very low 
story in the rear. Two rooms in front, viz. a great- 
room and kitchen, with a bed-room and pantry in the 
rear, was the usual plan of the ground floor. It seems 
formerly to have been the fashion of our country to 
have the houses cover a large area, but they were sel- 
dom thoroughly finished, and the upper rooms of 
course were cold and comfortless. A snug, well-finish- 
ed house, adapted to the family and circumstances of 
the owner, is an improvement of modern times. Our 
ancestors appear to have had no conception of such 
comfort. 

Towns were not built in those days like a factory 
village at the present time, — all at once, and after one 
model. The houses were, in fact, unpainted, mis- 
shapen and patched, with crooked, heavy chimneys of 
stone, that occupied a large space in the centre of the 
building. Frequently on one, two, or three sides, they 
presented additions or leantos, that were made from 
time to time. 

At intervals through the town, three or four houses 
were fortified ; that is, a lude stone wall was built 
around them; port-holes were prepared to fire through, 
and they were perhaps furnished with a small field 
piece. One of these fortified houses was the old Gro- 



52 HISTORY or NORWICH. 

ver-house, still standing', and supposed to be the oldest 
building extant in the place. In later times, during 
Philip's war, the house at Huntington's corner was 
fortified. This was an important station, as was also 
Leffingwell's corner, for the old Indian track froniNar- 
ragansett to Mohegan, over Ox-hill, led down to these 
points. A block-house was also erected during Phil- 
ip's war : — can any one tell where 1 

The rooms were generally large, and agreeably to 
the taste of the old colonists, well supplied with little 
cup-boards, closets, and other receptacles of rubbish 
and vermin. The windows were small and few ; most 
of them furnished with panes of diamond glass, cased 
in lead. As late as the year 1810, windows of this 
kind were remaining in the old Post house. 

Fire-places were enormously large ; from six to 
eight feet wide, and two or three feet deep. Wood 
was cut four feet in length, and the rolling in of a log- 
was a ponderous operation, that made all the timbers 
creak, and crushed the bed of burning coals upon the 
hearth into cinders. The reduction of chimneys and 
fire-places is a great improvement of modern architec- 
ture, promoting at once, comfort, economy and sym- 
metry. In new countries, where wood is so abundant 
that it is an object to destroy it, there may be a con- 
venience in a large fire-place, where any quantity of it 
may be stowed away and consumed. But such a fire- 
place requires more air to force the smoke up the 
chimney than any common room can furnish, and of 
course the room is filled with smoke unless a door is 
kept open. As it is usually inconvenient to keep an 
outer door open, recourse must be had to the cellar 
door, which in old houses usually opened into the 
kitchen, and as fast as the air is drawn from the cellar, 
just so fast the cellar is replenished with cold air from 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 53 

abroad. Consequently our aucestors had their cellars 
filled with frost during the winter. 

The kitchen was the prin.cipal sitting- room of the 
family. Blocks for children's seats, were placed in the 
ample corners of the fire-place ; a large settle kept 
ofi" the air from the door; a tin candlestick with along 
back, was suspended on a nail over the mantel, and 
tlie walls were adorned with crook-necks, flitches of 
bacon and venison, raccoon and fox skins, and im- 
mense lobster-claws. Afterwards, as fears of tlie In- 
dians died away, and weapons of warfare were less 
used, occasionally a musket or an espontoon might be 
seen, suspended transverse from beam to beam, and 
bearing as trophies, strings of dried apples, chains of 
sausages, and bunches of red peppers. A small open 
recess for books was usually seen on one side of the 
fire-place, a little below the ceiling, where even the 
cleanest volumes, soon acquired a dingy hue. Vene- 
rated were these books, for they came from the father- 
land, and were mostly of that blessed Puritan stamp 
whose truths had inspired the owners with courage to 
leave the scenes of their nativity, to find a home in 
this distant and savage land. This little recess, dis- 
playing its few books, often appears in the background 
of ancient portraits; for example, in that of Col. Dyer, 
of Windham, formerly among the pictures in the 
Wyllis mansion at Hartford. 

In these houses the Family Bible was never want- 
ing. It occupied a conspicuous station upon the desk 
or best table, and though nuich used was well preserv- 
ed. It came from home, for so the colonists loved to 
call the mother country; it had voyaged with them 
over the billowy waters, and was revered as the gift of 
Heaven. One of these blessed volumes, long preserv- 
ed as a precious relic in the Lathrop family, and now 



54 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

deposited in the archives of the American Bible Socie- 
ty, merits a particular notice. It is in the old English 
text, and of that edition usually called Parker's, or the 
Bishop's Bible. It was brought from England by the 
Rev. John Lathrop, who reading one night in his 
berth, fell asleep over the book, when a spark escaped 
from his lamp and falling upon the leaf, ate its way 
slowly through a large number of pages, committing 
sad havoc in the sacred text. He afterwards with great 
neatness and patience, repaired the ravage. 

Some few of the proprietors were men of education, 
but the greater part had but little of what is called 
school learning. Some of the most active and judi- 
cious among them, could not write their names. Eight 
of the first thirty-five, it is ascertained by actual in- 
spection of deeds and conveyances, affixed their marks 
for signatures instead of hand-writing; yet among 
them were men who acted as townsmen, deacons, 
constables, and arbitrators. But they all alike sought 
to obtain the advantages of education for their children. 
The establishment of a school Avas the next object after 
that of a church. John Birchard is the first school- 
master mentioned ; he was engaged for nine months 
of the year, to receive .£26 in provision pay. Each 
child who entered for the whole term, was to pay the 
value of nine shillings ; and otiiers in proportion : the 
town to make up the deficit. In 1678, it was voted 
that "Mr. Daniel Mason should be improved as a 
school-master for nine months ;" term.s as before, ex- 
cej)t that notliiug was said about provision pay. 

In 1680, a special meeting was called for the settle- 
ment of a town.'iGhool, and the whole matter delivered 
into the hand$ of the select men, with a solemn charge 
that they should see, " 1st. that parents send their 
children ; 2d. that tluy pay their proportion, accord^ 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 55 

ing to what is judged just; 3d. that (hey take care 
parents be not oppressed, espeslially such who are dis- 
abled ; 4th. that whatever is additionally necessary 
for the perfecting the maintenance of a school-master, 
is a charge and expense belonging to all the inhabit- 
ants of the town, and to be gathered as any other rates; 
5th. whatever else is necessary to a prudent carrying 
through this occation, is committed to the discreshon 
of y' sd select men." 

There is no account that the planters ever experien- 
ced any scarcity of food, or were deprived at any time 
of the real comforts of life. Though their modes of 
cooking were more simple than those now in vogue, 
the variety of sustenance was nearly as great. To 
obviate the necessity of going often to mill, pounded 
maize, called by the Indians samp, was much used. 
Another dish which the Indians taught them to make, 
was succatash, a mixture of tender Indian corn and 
new beans, forming a delicious compound, still a great 
favorite all over New England. They also learned of 
the natives to bake corn-cakes on the hot hearth, un- 
der the ashes, forming a sweet and wholesome ban- 
nock ; and to pound their parched corn and eat it with 
milk or molasses. This was called in their language, 
Yo-ke-ug. The first planters were also famous for 
baked beans and lioiled Indian puddings ; dishes 
which have been kept up by their descendants with 
such constancy and spirit as to become characteristic 
of the place. The beans were put into the oven early 
in the morning, crowned with a choice portion from 
the pork barrel, and having been kept all day seeth- 
ing and browning, appeared upon the supper table, hot 
and juicy, and with their respectable accompaniment, 
the slashed and crispy pork, gave dignity to the best 
tables. This was the universal Saturday night treat ; 



56 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

SO that wits would say the inhabitants knew when 
Sunday was coming only by the previous dish of baked 
beans ; and that if the usual baking should at any 
time be omitted, the ovens would fall in. Bean-por- 
ridge was also, in those early days, a frequent break- 
fastdish. The name of Bean-hill was bestowed on 
that part of the town plot now called West-ville, from 
the preponderance of these customs. With respect to 
the -puddings, it is reported that they were frequently 
made of such size- and solidity as to carry ruin in their 
path if the pyramid chanced to fall. An extra-good 
housewife would put her pudding in the bag at night, 
and keep it boiling until dinner-time the next day. 
The carving commenced at the top, and as the pile 
lowered to the centre the color deepened to a delicious 
red. One cannot help being curious to know whether 
these local customs could be traced back to those parts 
of England from which the planters came. 

In addition to the flesh afforded by the flocks and 
herds which they fed, the bounty of Providence fur- 
nished them with rich supplies. Deer at the time of 
the settlement were not infrequent ; wild fowl, espe- 
cially pigeons, were at the proper season very abund- 
ant ; all the smaller game, such as squirrels, foxes, 
wood-chucks, and rabbits might be caught in snares at 
the very doors of the houses, and the rivers and brooks 
around them, furnished first rate bass, innumerable 
shad, fine lobsters, delicate oysters, and highly-prized 
trout. Such were the dainties spread upon their board. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Grants of Land. Highways. Fences. Boundaries. Selectmen. Innkeepers. 
Town Clerk. 



Land at this early period was given away with a 
lavish hand. Grants were often made in this indefinite 
manner, — " where he can find it" — " over the river" 
— " at any place free from engagement to another" — 
" at some convenient place in the common lands" — 
" a tract not included in former grants" — " what land 
may be suitable for him"' — " as much as he needs in 
any undivided land," &c. A man obtains a lot, " for 
the conveniency of joining his lands together," — an- 
other five or six acres " in order to straiten his line" — 
and frequently in lieu of a lop, of somebody else, on 
his land. These laps, owing to imperfect surveys, 
were very numerous. Every new inhabitant, publicly 
accepted as such, obtained a grant of land, comprising 
a building lot, pasture ground and wood land, sufficient 
for a family ; frequently in three parcels. No one was 
permitted to settle in the town without the consent of 
the majority. 

Giants were uniformly made by a town vote. Ex- 
amples. 

1669. " Granted to one of Goodman Trade's sonnes 100 
akers of land in y*^ division of y" out lands. 

" Granted to Sergent Waterman liberty to lay down 

twenty acres of upland over Showtucket river, and take it 

up again on the same side of the river, against Potapaug 

hills, adjoining to some other lands he is to take up, and the 

6 



58 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

town leaves it to the measurers to judge respecting any 
meadow that may fall within the compass of it, whether it 
may be reasonable to allow it to him or not." 

" Granted to Mr. Brewster and John Glover two bits of 
land on the east side of Showtucket river, near their own land, 
they two with the help of goodman Elderkin to agree peace- 
ably about the division of it between them, and in case they 
cant well agree about the division then it falls to the town 
again." 

" Granted to Ch"" . Huntington, Sen^ . an addition to his 
land at Beaver Brook to the quantity of seven or eight acres 
to bring his lot to the place where the great brook turns with 
an elbow." 

1684. " Granted to Capt. Fitch, a gusset of land from 
the S. E. corner of the old meeting-house to the corner of 
his father's homelot." 

The earlier grants being thus indefinite in situation 
and extent, and imperfectly recorded, after the lapse 
of a few years great perplexities began to be experien- 
ced, and more were apprehended. Several votes were 
passed by way of providing remedies. Additions were 
inserted in the records here and there, or new surveys 
recorded, so contradictory to the old, that the confu- 
sion was every day increased. In 1681, a resolution 
passed, that if no other date could be ascertained for 
the grant of any inhabitant, it was to take date from 
that period, and the title remain good and firm. Com- 
mittees were frequently appointed, to ascertain dates 
and add them to the old book of records. In 1683, 
one hundred acres of land, — " where he can find it," 
— is granted to Capt. Fitch, " for being helpful to the 
town Recorder, in making a new record of lands." 
This gentleman commenced a register of the proprie- 
tary lands, in a volume distinct from the town books. 
It is endorsed thus, '< Norwich Book of Recoids of the 
\' River Lands. Capt. James Fitch writt this booke." 
This register was afterwards partially copied and con- 
tinued by Richard Bushnell and others, Clerks of the 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 59 

Proprietors, until the year 1740, when the final division 
of the common lands was made, the accounts of the 
Proprietors closed, and their interests merged- in those 
of the town. 

Every enterprize which had any tendency to pro- 
mote the public convenience was patronized by a grant 
of land. Hugh Amos, who fiist established a regular 
ferry over Shetucket river, received one hun- 
1671. dred acres of land by way of encouragement. 
John Elderkin was repeatedly remunerated in 
this way for keeping the town mill. A blacksmith 
was induced to settle among them by a similar reward. 
A miller, a blacksmith and a ferryman were important 
personages for the infant settlement. Saw mills met 
with the same liberal patronage. In 1680, two hun- 
dred acres were granted to Capt. Fitch, on condition 
that he built a saw mill in a certain place : he to have 
the benefit of the stream and the timber near it, and 
no other person to set up a saw mill on the same 
stream to his damage. This mill, however, was not 
erected and the privilege, according to contract, re- 
verted to the town. A person who proposed to estab- 
lish a fulling mill was promised a large grant of vaiious 
immunities if he succeeded. The project, however, 
failed, and there was no fulling mill in the place till 
at a much later period the town had one erected at 
the public expense. Competent workmen in this trade 
were then scarce in the country. Before the year 1710 
there was but one clothier in the whole colony of/ 
Connecticut. 

The planters were often deceived in their first esti- 
mation of the quality of the land. Some bog meadows 
in tlie interior of the township, the Podgeum and We- 
quanock lands, and other tracts of inferior quality, were 
eagerly taken up, from an idea that when drained, 



60 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

they would make good mowing- land. Experience has 
proved the fallacy of this opinion. The more a man 
does to them, the poorer he grows. Among other 
grants is one of the island in Wequonuk i-iver, to 
Thomas Leffingwell, 2d., for which he preferred his 
petition, as though it was of some considerable value. 
No such island is at present known. Grants in the 
Cranberry Pond and Swamp, were considered advan- 
tageous, but whether for the fruit or the land is now 
doubtful. In an agricultural point of view, some parts 
of Norwich have disappointed the expectations at first 
formed. That part of it which is restricted within its 
present limits, would have made, on the whole, but 
indifferent farms ; much of the sward being thin and 
loose, the pasturage rocky, and of little value. 

Most of the highways at first laid out, began at the 
meeting-house plain, and branched out diverse ways 
into the farms ; but they were, at this period, little 
better than cart paths. In 1699, mention is made of 
the path to New London, and the path to Connecticut. 
The town street had been left from the first, four rods 
wide in the narrowest part. It was afterwards much 
straitened and improved. The present road from Hun- 
tington's corner to Strong's corner, is of comparatively 
recent origin. On this path at the time of the settle- 
ment, there was a bold and almost impassable ravine, 
twenty feet deep, with a gurgling stream in its bed, 
ju'st beyond the dwelling house of the late Deacon 
Caleb Huntington. Another rivulet came down the 
hill near the house of Dr. Daniel Lathrop, both passing 
into the meadow below, which was then a dense alder 
swamp. It was to avoid this swamp and other obstruc- 
tions, that the town street made a detour at this place. 
A path was early laid out along the margin of the river, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 6l 

and though fenced in, it was well understood to be a 
highway. The following is the first notice of it. 

Aug. 1661 — " Memorando : the footway six foote broad 
which goes through the honielot of Mr. Fitch, John Hohn- 
stead and Steven Backus was laid out by Towne order and 
agreement for the use of the towne." 

Between the Little Plain and the Town Plot, there 
was a very thick swamp, known then, and for many 
years afterwards, as Capt. John Mason's Swamp. A 
foot-path led through it. 

The sheep walks were laid out at some distance from 
the Town Plot. Two, of five hundred acres each, lay 
on the eastern and western borders. One of them cov- 
ered a part of Long Hill and Wequonuck plains, bor- 
dering on " the White Hills and Pople Swamp." The 
other spread over " Wolf pit-Hill," in the w^estern part 
of the town. Chelsea formed another sheep- w^alk-pas- 
rure of nine hundred acres ; and a fourth is described 
as lying " between the Great River and Great Plains, 
beginning at the brook below^ the clay banks, and so 
running down to Trading Cove." In these Walks, 
the sheep of the town plot residents, as distinguished 
from farmers, were to be kept, and among the appoint- 
ments made by the town, we sometimes find that of a 
shepherd to oversee the flocks. 

Labor on the town lands was usually accomplished 
in the same way as highway work. Laws were made 
which provided for the clearing of the commons by 
degrees. A certain quantity was every year laid down 
to grass, the hay-seed being procured at the town 
charge. Every citizen, excepting those who lived on 
remote farms, between the ages of fourteen and 
seventy, were required to cut bushes two days in the 
6* 



62 HISTORY OFNORWICH. 

year, alternately, on the hills and in the town. This 
was done by a general turn out. 

The winter was the period for making fences. It 
was repeatedly ordered that all front fences should be 
done up by the first of March, and the general fences 
by the first of April. The front fences were to be " a 
five rayle or equivalent to it, and the general fences a 
three rayle or equivalent to it." Afterwards a lawful 
fence upon plain ground was thus defined. — " A good 
three rail fence, four feet high ; or a good hedge, or 
pole fence, well staked, four and a half feet high." 
Two pounds were erected in 1669, one at each end of 
the town, which appear to have had plenty of occu- 
pants ; for cattle, swine, sheep and goats, often roamed 
at large, and trespasses were frequent. 

All the effective males turned out at certain seasons 
of the year, to labor on the highways, or to build and 
repair bridges. Two horse-bridges were very early 
erected over the Yantic, at each end of the town plot; 
and before many years, six bridges over the same river 
were maintained by the town, being all within her 
limits. Wood's bridge, at Poitipaug, was the most 
northerly of these ; tlve l)ridge at Noman's acre the 
most southern and last built. 

The inhabitants being principally employed in agri- 
cultural pursuits, their trading must have been chiefly 
in the way of barter. Clothing and provisions formed 
the circulating currency. Loaded boats, however, fre- 
quently passed up and down the river, and the begin- 
ning of commerce was soon beheld at the old Landing 
Place. 

In 1682 w^e find the following entry : — 

" It is voted y' there shal be a book procured at town 
charge for the recording of lands, and allso a boat cumpas 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 63 

and y' there shall be allowed to any of the inhabitants of this 
towne to make a new survey of their land provided they take 
their neibors with y"' whose land lyeth adjoining to them." 

To the confusion produced by contradictory deeds, 
grants without date, and careless surveys, was added 
that of undefined town limits. This led to ceaseless 
and long continued disputes with the Indians, and after- 
wards witli the neighboring towns. The Selectmen 
were obliged to perambulate the bounds, in company 
with a Committee from the adjoining towns, every 
year, and to see that the boundaries and meres were 
kept up. The preservation of boundaries however, 
both public and private, was extremely difficult, where 
the only marks were a w^hite oak tree, or a black oak 
with a crotch, — a tree with a heap of stones around 
it, — a twin tree, — a very large tree, — a great rock, — a 
stone set up, — a clump of chesnuts, — a walnut with a 
limb lopped off, — a birch with some gashes in it, &c. 
If a man set up a stone in the corner of his grant, with 
his initials marked on it, he was much more precise 
than his neighbors. A strip of land, a])Out three miles 
in breadth, lying between the northern boundary of 
New London, and the southern of Norwich, gave rise 
to much litigation and contioversy, not only among 
individuals, but between the two towns, and the whites 
and Indians. Three parties claimed it, and each was 
officious in selling and conveying it to individuals, so 
that a collision of claims and interests was inevitable. 
It was long before this affair was satisfactorily settled. 
Many committees were appointed ; and the town hoped 
to arrange the difficulty by referring it, as far as they 
w^ere concerned, " to the worshipful Samuel Mason 
and the Rev. Mr. Fitch." This tract is now inclu- 
ded in Montville. 



64 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

It has already been observed that no inhabitant was 
permitted to exchange or sell his homelot, without the 
consent of the town. Thomas Rood and some others 
violated this regulation, and the sales were declared 
null and void. Great care was taken to admit no 
inhabitants that were not industrious and of good moial 
character. Transient persons, and those who had no 
particular way of getting a livelihood, were quickly 
warned out of town. The overseers made a present- 
ment of every such person, and the sentence of expul- 
sion was forthwith recorded against them. The follow- 
ing is a specimen of the solicitous guardianship of the 
freemen over their beloved town : — 

" 1692. — Whereas Richard Elsingham and Ephraim Phil- 
ips have petitioned this town that they may live here one 
year, the town do agree that they may dwell here the year 
ensuing, provided that they then provide for themselves 
elsewhere." 

The townsmen were uniformly selected from among 
the oldest and most influential inhabitants ; but many 
of the inferior oihcers circulated pretty generally among 
the citizens. The townsmen were at first two, but 
they soon increased to eight in number. 

Innkeepers were considered as town officers. Deacon 
Simon Huntington is the first person on record, as keep- 
er of '' the house of entertaynement." 

"Dec. 11. 1679. Agreed and voted by y^ town yt Ser- 
gent Thomas Waterman is desired to keepe the ordynary. 
And for his encouragement he is granted four ackers of pas- 
ter land where he can convenyently find it ny about the val- 
ley going from his house into the woods." 

Under date of 1694, is the following, verbatim et 
literatim : 

" The towne maks choise of calih abell to keepe ordinari 
or a house of entertaynement for thisyeare or till another be 
choosen." 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 65 

This was surely inserted by some occasional amanu- 
ensis, and not by one of the Huntinglons, the regular 
town clerks, who appear in general to have been cor- 
rect and faitliful scribes. Some very odd orthography 
occasionally occurs in the records, such as Cota, Coram 
and Potemporary, for Quota, Quorum and pro-tempore. 

Some of the earlier records are in the hand-writing 
of John Birchard and Capt. James Fitch, but the first 
town-clerk and recorder, whose appointment is noted, 
is Christopher Huntington, chosen to office in 1678. 
After him, the office was held for a time b}^ Richard 
Bushnell, and then by Christopher Huntington 2d, 
from whom it descended in regular succession first to 
liis son Isaac, and from Isaac to Benjamin, and from 
Benjamin to Philip, and from Philip (o Benjamin again, 
who held it in 1828, when the records were removed 
to Chelsea, and a clerk chosen from that society. Mr. 
Isaac Huntington held the office for nearly sixty years. 
At the annual meetings, the question was regularly 
put by the moderator — Will the town now proceed to 
the choice of a clerk ? and uniformly decided in the 
negative; it being understood that the then incumbent 
was to be continued until a successor was appointed. 
This venerable man died in 1764. 

1630. Mr. Arnold accepted as an inhabitant, and a 
grant of several acres of land bestowed on him gra- 
tuitously. This gentleman is elsewhere caIl(>d"Mr. 
John Arnold, merchant." He is supposed to have 
been from Boston and to have opened the first stock 
of merchandize in town. In 1688, he purchased the 
homestead of Jonathan Jennings, consisting of a new 
dwelling-house, barn and eight acres of land. He 
then disappeared from the records, having removed, 
it is supposed, to New London. In 1698, the widow 
Sarah Knight was one of the principal shopkeepers. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Mohegans. Enlistmeiits. Aboriginal relics. 

The Moheg-ans were eager to exchange their servi- 
ces for the food, clothing and other comforts which 
they received fiom the English. Many of them erect- 
ed wigwams in the vicinity of the settlers, and some 
even in their homelots. The plantation soon swarm- 
ed with them, and the whites found them rather 
troublesome neighbors. Their habits of indolence, 
lying and pilfering were inveterate. At first, a strong 
hope of converting them to Christianity, Avas very gen- 
erally entertained, but the major part of the planters 
soon relinquished the task in despair. It was now 
found a work of no small difficulty to shake them off, 
or to keep them in due subjection and order. Laws 
were repeatedly made for their removal from the town, 
but still they remained. Restiictions of various kinds 
were thrown around them : a fine of I9s. was 
June 17, imposed on every one who should be found 

1662. drunk in the place ; the person who should 
furnish an Indian with ammunition of any 
kind, was amerced 20s., but they were neither driven 
away, nor their morals improved. 

1678. Peremptory orders were at length issued to 
remove every Indian found dwelling upon the Town 
Plot. Twelve days warning was given, and if 
after that, any person should suffer them to remain 
upon his homelot, or pasture near the town, he should 
pay a fine of 205. Nevertheless, a certain number did 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 67 

remain some )'ears long-er, and these, in succeeding 
town acts, are denominated listed surrenderers, a term 
perhaps denoting that they had claims upon the lands 
which they had formally surrendered to the planters, 
on certain conditions. 

Those who were dislodged by the above order, knew 
not where to go. They had partially given up their 
roving habits, and it seemed harsh to turn them forth 
again into the wild w^oods. The Rev. Mr. Fitch, ever 
their kind friend in temporal as well as spiritual things, 
compassionating their forlorn condition, obtained per- 
mission for them to occupy Waweekus Hill, for a few 
years, rent free, " that they might have a comfortable 
living till such time as some other way may be made 
open for them." How long they continued there is 
not known. A division of lands upon the hill, 
1696. was soon afterwards made among all the accept- 
ed inhabitants ; tlie first purchasers tohave three 
acres to the hundred more than others. 

A few families of resident Indians continued in the 
town until they slowly melted away. Several wig- 
wams remained far into the next century. One of the 
last that decayed was on the hill not far from the spot 
where the Marsh house stands. It had probably been 
the residence of a sentinel. 

In 1673, upon some hostile manifestations from the 
Dutch of New York, the militia or train-bands of Con- 
necticut were ordered to be ready for service, and 500 
dragoons raised, who were to be prepared to march on 
an hour's warning, to defend any place in the colony. 
Of these dragoons. New London county was to raise a 
company of one hundred : James Avery, [of New Lon- 
don,] Captain : Thomas Tracy, [of Norwich,] Lieut. : 
John Denison, [of Stonington,] Ensign. The number 



68 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

of privates apportioned to Norwich, was seventeen. 
Of these men no list has been obtained. 

During Philip's war, Norwich was a frontier town, 
and of course open to the depredations of the enemy : 
yet there is no record of its ever having been invaded. 
The inhabitants were frequently alarmed with rumors 
that bands of hostile Indians were bending their course 
towards them. A watch was stationed day and night 
upon Sentry-hill, and men kept their arms by them at 
their daily work. 

Norwich was a convenient place of rendezvous for 
troops who were collecting for expeditions against the 
enemy. Major Treat at one time, and Major Talcott 
twice, marched from this point with their bands of two 
and three hundred soldiers, and their Indian allies, 
amounting to nearly as many more. In the New Lon- 
don accounts, under date of 1676, are various charges 
against the colony, for arms and provisions, sent to the 
army at Norwich, or furnished to the Mohegan war- 
riors, per order of Major Talcott, and Captains Mason, 
Denison and Avery. 

" The Mohegans," says an old writer, "were partic- 
ularly friendly to Norwich when an infant settlement. 
They were of great service in watching and spying, so 
that it happened that there never were but two men 
killed in said town by the Indian enemies, and one 
boy carried away captive, Avho soon was returned, by 
the help of a friendly Indian." 

This is the only case any where recorded of Indian 
aggression upon the town. The occurrence must have 
taken place during Philip's war, and the attack was 
doubtless upon some exposed dwelling, distant from 
the town plot. 

The Mohegans, from the earliest period of the set- 
tlement to the present day, may be called favorites 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 69 

with the people of Norwich. They have been looked 
after with almost parental care, and the men of most 
influence in the town, on all public questions, have 
taken their part, whether right or wrong, against the 
state and against opposing tribes. 

Quarrels frequently took place among the natives, 
within the bounds of the town, and in this case the 
magistrates interfered, to see justice done. There is a 
tradition tliat one Indian killed another on Bean-hill, 
soon after the settlement, in 1662. The criminal was 
arraigned, and being found guilty, was delivered over 
to his own people for punishment. They assembled 
on the spot where the deed was done ; the prisoner 
was brought forth, placed in a kneeling position, and 
the gun put into the executioner's hand, by one of 
their chief men. This executioner was probably a 
near relation of the deceased. For some time he flour- 
ished his weapon in the air, then aimed at the crimin- 
al and n ade the motion of discharging its contents, 
but instantly wheeled about and pointed to some other 
object. At length, when the attention of the specta- 
tors and the prisoner was in some measure distracted, 
lie suddenly lued : the victim uttered a single cry of 
ahwah! and fell dead. The executioner threw down 
his gun, fled to the woods and returned no more to his 
tribe. This was their custom, in order to avoid the 
avengers of blood. In another aflf'ray which happened 
near one of the English houses, nuudcr was committed, 
but the criminal escaped. The Indians held a court 
on the spot, pronounced the sentence, and put the 
avenging knife in(o the hand of the son of the slain, 
who immediately set oflf in pursuit of the ofltnder, but 
in vain, he had reached Oneida, and was there pro^. 
tected. 

7 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Ecclesiastical Affairs. Ministers. Meeting-houses. 

1668. A rate was granted for "repairing and 
heightening the meeting-house." The next year a 
grant of land was made " to Samuel Lotrop in consid- 
eration of his heightening the meetinsr-house." This 
edifice had probably been built in November, 1659 ; 
hastily constructed, and expected to answer only a 
temporary purpose. 

In 1673, a contract was made with John Elderkin 
and Samuel Lothrop, to build a new meeting-house, 
upon the summit of the hill, at the foot of which the 
present church stands. It was to be furnished " with 
a gallery and trough to carry the water from the roof." 
Elderkin, who was the builder, completed it in about 
two years. He had engaged to do it for ^6428, but the 
expense exceeding his estimate, he presented in town 
meeting the following petition : 

" Christian Friends and Neighbors, 

Your humble petitioner pleadelh your cbaritie for the 
reasons hereafter expressed. Gentlemen, it is well known 
that I have been undertaker for building of the meeting- 
hous, and it being a piece of work very difficult to under- 
stand the whole worth and value ofl", yet notwithstanding I 
have presumed to doe the work for a sertain sum of money, 
(to wit,) 428 pound, not haveing any designe thereby to 
make myself rich, but that the towne might have there 
meeting-hous dun for a reasonable consideration. But upon 
my experience, I doe find by my bill of cost, I have dun 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 71 

said work very much to my damma2;e, as 1 shall now make 
appear. Gentlemen, I shall not say much unto you, but 
onely if you may be made sencible of my loss in said under- 
taking, I pray for your generous and charitable conclusion 
toward me, whether it be much or little, I hope will be 
well excepted from your poor and humble petitioner. 

John Elderkin.'' 

The town declared themselves to be at this time 
greatly burdened by the necessity of raising the j£428; 
but as ajcompensation for the gallery of the new meet- 
ing-house, they granted Elderkin a tract of land " at 
Pocketannuk's Cove's mouth." 

Mr. James Fitch having provided nails for this 
meeting-house, to the value of ,£12, " wherein his for- 
wardness for the use and benefit of the town, is owned 
and accepted," liberty was granted him to take two 
hundred acres of land, as a satisfaction for the same, viz. 
" 100 in the crotch between Quinebaug and Showtuck- 
ct, and 100 as convenient as he can find it, on the 
other side of Showtucket river." 

The lofty site of this meeting-house, rendered it very 
dilTicult of access. We can scarcely imagine that the 
old or infirm ever reached it. It was chosen through 
fear of attack, and for the convenience of keeping 
watch. Another motive was, that the people beyond 
the ridge, as well as those below, might see their 
church. It was now the centre of vision to all the in- 
habitants, and presented a formidable and secure as- 
pect ; a barrier of perpendicular rocks on one side, and 
stony declivities on every other. I'his was about the 
period of Philip's war, and a time of unusual alarm. 
A better look-out post tlian the gallery of tliis church 
furnished, couhl scarcely be found in the vicinity. 

In 1689, this meeting-house was found too small to 
accommodate the congregation, and Thomas Leffing- 



72 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

well and others were appointed a committee "to con- 
sider, contrive and effect an enlargement" of it. This 
was done so as to answer the temporary emergency, 
but the whole building was rough, uncouth and clum- 
sy ; yet perched as it was like a citadel upon its rocky 
height, the effect must liave been imposing. 

To this church the people used to repair with fire-arms 
upon their shoulders, which were not, however, carried 
into the house, but stacked without, in some conven- 
ient position to be watched by a person at oife of the 
windows. Swords were customarily Avorn when in 
full dress, by all the earlier settlers of New England, 
both in a civil and military capacity. Hats were at 
that time made of wool : perhaps two or three at the 
church door, reverently took off a "black beaverett," 
though that was a costly article, in those days. The 
poorer sort of people wore only a buff-cap, knit from 
woollen yarn. The coat was made with a long, 
straight body, falling below the knee, and with no 
collar, so that the band, or the neckcloth of spotless 
linen, fastened behind with a silver buckle, was fully 
displayed. It is not probable that any one of the in- 
habitants assumed such a degree of state and dignity 
as to wear a ruff, though that article was in vogue 
among people of rank. The waistcoat was long. It 
is uncertain whether the small clothes had then begun 
to grow, so as to reach below the knee, and to be fas- 
tened with knee-buckles or not. The earlier mode 
was to have them terminate above the knee, and to 
be tied with ribbons. The common kind were made 
of leather. Red woollen stockings were much ad- 
mired. The shoes were coarse, clumped, square-toed, 
and adorned with enormous buckles. If any boots 
made their appearance, prodigious was the thumping 
as they passed up the aisles, for a pair of boots w^as 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 73 

then expected to last a man's life. The tops were 
short, but very wide at the top ; formed, one might 
suppose, with a special adaptation to rainy weather ; 
collecting the water as it fell, and holding an ample 
bath for the feet and ancles ! 

Wigs were not then common ; but long hair was 
getting into vogue. It was combed back from the 
forehead, and gathered behind into a club, or a queue, 
wound with a black ribbon. A congregation of such 
men, with their brave, manly brows, fronting their 
minister, worshipping God upon the high rock that 
overlooked their settlement, must have been a solemn 
and majestic sight to superior beings. 

But our great grandmothers are also here : they 
come decently, but not gaudily dressed. They have 
finery, but they leave it at home on the Sabbath. 
The more respectable matrons have all a full dress of 
flowing brocade, embroidered stomachers, and hang- 
ing sleeves, but it is reserved for feasts and great civic 
occasions. They are dressed on the Sabbath, perhaps, 
in short gowns and stuff-petticoats, with white aprons 
of linen or muslin, starched stiff. The gown sleeve is 
short, and they wear mittens extending to the elbow, 
and leaving the fingers with a part of the thumb bare. 
The cloak was short, with a hood to cover the head, 
and was called a riding-hood. The hood was thrown 
back in meeting, and those who wore bonnets took 
them off. The matrons wore caps, and the young 
women had their hair curled or otherwise dressed. 

Distinctions of rank and dress, titles of respect, 
and customs of deference and precedency, were care- 
fully preserved, but they formed no bar to social in- 
tercourse, and every year diminished their influence. 
Among the first proprietors, very few at the period of 

the settlement, ranked so high as to be called Mr. 

7* 



74 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

The Rev. Mr. Fitch and Major Mason always received 
this title. Others afterwards, by age, character, or 
office, arrived at the distinction. Old men had the 
title of Gaffer, others that of Goodman, which was con- 
sidered a respectful appellation, and is often used in 
the records. Women in like manner were respectfully 
addressed as Gammers and Goodwives. 

Difficulties were soon experienced with respect to 
collecting- the minister's rates. It had been arranged 
that every inhabitant should carry in himself his pro- 
portion annually, on or before the 20tli of March, and 
for a time this mode answered well. This excellent 
community hoped to make the support of Christian 
instiutions wholly a voluntary business. Every thing 
was to be done according to law and order, at the 
same time that religious contributions were to be the 
spontaneous offerings of the heart and conscience. It 
was not till 1686, that collectors were appointed to 
gather the salary, one third of which was to be paid 
in wheat at 4s. per bushel, one third in r3'e or pease at 
3s. per bu., and one third in Indian corn at 2s. per 
bu., or in that which was equivalent and acceptable to 
the nnnister. This vote has a solenm preamble, set- 
ting forth the necessity of " doing what the laws of God 
and man, and duty obliges, to wit, the discharge of 
that obligation which we lie under with respect to the 
maintenance of our Rev. Minister, and it appearing 
that the great lenity of the Rev. Mr. Fitch towards some 
is much abused, and many arc got into a way of slight- 
ncss and remissness in making due payment, now 
therefore that we might all be more thorough so as the 
work of God may not fall amongst us, it is ordered," 
&c. In some cases monthly contributions were resorted 
to in order to make up the deficiency of the minister's 
salary. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 75 

In 1694 the Rev. Mr. Fitch was disabled fiom 
preaching, by a stroke of the palsy. This fact is 
adverted to in the preamble of a town act, in these 
terms, — " Inasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God 
to lay his afflicting hand on our reverend minister," 
&c. Mr. Jabez Fitch, then pursuing his studies at 
New Haven, was invited to take his father's place, and 
the town passed a vote, " to pay the charge of sending 
for him fiom the CoUidge." After a year's experience 
of his ministry, they passed another vote, declaring 
themselves well satisfied with him, and publicly invi- 
ting him to settle. His answer is not upon record, and 
indeed nothing farther appears respecting him. Mr. 
Fitch afterwards settled at Portsmouth, N.H., and 
there died, in the year 1746. The pulpit was now 
supplied by various other candidates, none of whom 
stayed longer than two or three Sabbaths at a time, so 
that new ones were continually' to be sought, and a 
special rate was granted to defray the charge of " send- 
ing hither and thither for ministers." 

At length Mr. Henry Flint was obtained, and at first 
was so highly acceptable and useful, that a record was 
made in the town books, aclvnowledging him as a spe- 
cial gift of Providence, in the following words : 

" The good providence of God succeding our endeavours 
hath sent Mr. Fhnt unto us, for which wc have reason to 
bless God, and doe desire he may abide with us half a year 
more or less, that he may have further tr3'all of us, and wee 
of him ; — and that he may stay as long as may be judged ex- 
pedient for probation." 

An agreement was made with him of the following 
purport : — " Dec. 15, 1696. At a meeting of the Com- 
mittee with Mr. Henry Flint, minister, the Com, doe 
agree to allow him 20s. per week, so long as he shall 
continew to be our minister, and also to defray the 



76 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

chardge of his board and hois meat." The next April 
he was unanimously invited to settle with them, and 
the following terms proposed, viz. : a grant of one 
hundred and fifty acres of land on Plain hills ; a salary 
of £d2 per year and his board- This was to continue 
while he remained single. If he should marry, his 
salary was to be increased to ^£70, and sixty loads of 
wood given him annually. Mr. Flint, however, did 
not accept these offers, and the preamble of a vote the 
next year alludes to the melancholy fact, that they 
" are still without a preaching minister." 

During this interval, measures were again taken for 
enlarging and repairing the meeting-house. A Leanto 
was added, in which several new pews were made, 
and these not being sufficient to accommodate the 
increasing congregation, leave was given to twelve 
persons, who petitioned to that effect, " to build a seat 
on the Leanto beams, for their convenient sitting on 
the Lord's dayes." All these improvements being 
completed, in March, 1698, the Townsmen and Good- 
man Elderkin, the carpenter, were engaged to arrange 
the pews into eight classes, according to their dignity. 
This being done, five of the oldest and most respected 
inhabitants, viz : Lt. Thomas Lefiingwell, Lt. William 
Backus, Deac. Simon Huntington, Thomas Adgate, 
Senr., and Serg. Jolui Tracy, were directed to seat the 
people with due regard to rank : "the square pue to 
be considered first in dignity; the new seats and the 
fore seats in the broad ally next, and alike in dignity," 
and so on through the eight classes. 

Mr. Joseph Coit was now engaged to supply the 
pulpit, and after a few months probation, he was invi- 
ted to settle. The Committee who communicated this 
resolution to Mr. Coit, received from him an answer. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 77 

which tliey reported in town meeting, in the following- 
words. 

" We have received a writing from Mr. Coit, in which he 
dotii expressly declare his disagreement from Norwich 
church, and consequently he cannot walk with them, for 
how can two walk together, if they be not agreed r — But 
he that in matters controversial doth set up his own opinion 
in opposition to the Synod Book, and a cloud of witnesses, 
will be in great danger to wander from the way of peace and 
truth. But as for us, let us please one another, in that that 
is good, and may be for edification." 

Mr. John Woodward was their next candidate, and 
a vote was passed to "call him to office." He accepted 
this call and was ordained in October, 1699. A pow- 
erful opposition was nevertheless arrayed against him, 
excited by his opinions with respect to ecclesiastical 
discipline, which partook less of the congregational 
spirit of independence, than the notions which the old 
proprietors had brought with them from Saybrook. 
Two parties and a spirit of acrimony were beginning to 
appear in the church, which afterwards led to serious 
disturbances, and an ultimate separation. Of this, 
however, nothing appears on the records. The town 
voted to build Mr. Woodward a house, and contracted 
with Goodman Elderkin to do it for <£140. But they 
afterwards purchased Mr. Samuel Huntington's house 
and honielot, at a less expense. Out of the lot an acre 
and a half was reserved for a burying place. This 
was soon afterwards open for interments, and is the 
Society burying yaid, which, with an adjoining lot 
since purchased and added to it, is still used. 



CHAPTER IX 



The Patent. Major Fitcb. Number of Inhabitants. 

Townships in America were established with all 
their various privileges as independent communities, 
as early as 1650. This was before the division into 
counties, before tlie formation of states, before even the 
union of settlements. These townships are justl}' con- 
sidered as the foundation of American liberty, fur- 
nishing a species of municipal independence and citi- 
zenship, which forms a solid basis for all other free 
institutions. 

Counties in Connecticut were not regular!)^ laid out, 
nor county courts organized, till 1666. Norwich was 
then assigned to NeAv London Co. The counties were 
Hartford, New London and Fairfield. The towns in 
New London Co. were New London, Norwich, Say- 
brook, Stonington, Killingworth, Groton and Preston. 

In 1672 the Proprietors commenced a new" record of 
lands, from which we obtain a list of the inhabitants 
" so far as copies of said lands were brought in by the 
said inhabitants." The number is 78. 

By the year 1680 Norwich had become the centre of 
several flourishing towns of more recent date. After 
the conclusion of Philip's war, when all fear of Indian 
aggressions had died away, the settlements advanced 
rapidly, and it could no longer be said, as it had been, 
that in a nortlierly course there was not a single wliite 
settlement between Norwich and Canada. Deeds 



HISTORY OP NORWICH. 79 

were recorded in Norwich for several neighboring 
towns, and in some instances cases of trespass were 
brought there for decision, from Stonington, Preston, 
Woodstock, Killingly and Lebanon. Mr. Birchard 
and Lt. Thomas Tracy, the first Commissioners of the 
Peace, were of course men of considerable note in the 
country round about. 

In 1684, the list of estate as returned to the General 
Court was .£6,265. Number of taxable persons 115. 

In 1685 a patent was obtained which confirmed to 
the town the original tract of nine miles square, to be 
an entire township, " according to the tenor of East 
Greenwich, in Kent, in free and common soccage, and 
not in capite, nor by Knight's service." 

PATENT 

OF THE TOWN OF NORWICH, A. D. 1685. 

Whereas the General Court of Connecticut have forever 
granted unto the proprietors and Inhabitants of the Towne of 
Norwich all those lands, both meadows and uplands, within 
these abuttnients (viz.) from the mouth of Tradeing-cove 
Brooke the line to run as the Brooke to the head of the 
Brooke to a white oake marked N : and from thence west 
northwesterly to a great pond to a black oake marked N : 
which stands neere the mouth of the great Brooke that runs 
out of the pond to Norwich river, which is about seven 
miles from the said Tradeing Cove ; and from thence the line 
runns North noreast nine miles to a Black oake standing by 
the river side on the south of it, a little above maumeagway, 
and from thence the line runs south southeasterly nine miles 
to a white oake standing by a brooke marked IN : and then 
the line runs south southwesterly nine miles to a white oake 
neere Robert Allyn and Thomas Rose's Dwelling houses, 
which tree is marked N : and from thence westerly as New 
London Bounds runs to Mohegan river, the whole being nine 
miles sipiare, the said land haveing been by purchase or oth- 
erwise lawfully obtayned of the Indian natives proprietors 

And whereas, the said Inhabitants and proprietors of the 
s<^ Norwich in the Colony of Connecticutt have made appli- 
cation to the Governo"^ and Company of the s'* Colony of 



80 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Connecticutt assembled in Court May 2d^^, 1685, that they 
may have a patent for the confirmation of the afore^'^ land, 
so purchased and granted to them as aforesaid, and which 
they have stood seized, and quietly possessed of for many 
years late past, without interruption. Now for a more full 
confirmation of the aforesd unto the present proprietors of 
the s'^ Towneship of Norwich in their possession and injoy- 
ment of the premises, know yea that the s^ Governour and 
Company assembled in Generall Court according to the Com- 
mission Granted to them by his magestie's charter, have given 
and granted and by these presents doe give, grant Rattifie and 
confirme unto Mr. James Fitch sen"", Capt. James Fitch, Mr. 
Benjamine Brewster, Lieut, Thomas Tracy, Lieut. Tho.Lef- 
fingwell, Mr. Christopher Huntington, Mr. Simon Hunting- 
ton, Ensign VVm. Backus, Mr. Thomas Waterman, Mr. John 
Burchard and Mr. John Post, and the rest of the said pres- 
ent proprietors of the township of Norwich, their heirs, suck- 
cessors and assigns forever ; the aforesaid parcell of land as 
it is Butted and Bounded, together with all the woods, mea- 
dows, pastures, ponds, waters, rivers, islands, fishings, hunt- 
ings, fowleings, mines, mineralls, quarries, and precious 
stones, upon or within the said tract of land, and all other 
proffitts and comodities thereunto belonging, or in any wayes 
appertayning ; and Doe also grant unto the aforesd Mr. James 
Fitch sen"", Capt. James Fitch, Mr. Benjamin Brewster, 
Lieut. Thomas Tracy, Lieut. Thos. Lefliingwell, Mr. Chris- 
topher Huntington, Mr. Simon Huntington, Ensign Wm. 
Backus, Mr. Thomas Waterman, Mr. John Birchard, and 
Mr. John Post, and the rest of the proprietors, Inhabitants of 
Norwich, their heirs, successors and assigns forever, that the 
fores'^ tract of land shall be forever hereafter deemed, repu- 
ted and be an intire towneship of itself — to have and to hold 
the said tract of land and premises, with all and singular 
their appurtenances, together with the priviledges and im- 
munities and franchises herein given and granted unto the 
say' Mr. James Fitch sen--, Capt. James Fitch, Mr. Benja- 
mine Brewster, Lieut. Thomas Tracy, Lieut. Thomas Lef- 
fingwell, Mr. Christopher Huntington, Mr. Simon Hunting- 
ton, Ensign Wm. Backus, Mr. Thomas Waterman, Mr. John 
Birchard and Mr. John Post, and other the present proprie- 
tors. Inhabitants of Norwich, theire heirs successors, and 
assignes for ever, and to the only proper use and behoofe of 
the sayd Mr. James Fitch sen"", Capt. James Fitch, Mr. Ben- 
jamine Brewster, Lieut. Thomas Tracy, Lieut. Thomas Lef- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 81 

fingwell, Mr. Christopher Huntington, Mr. Simon Hunting- 
ton, Ensign Win. Baclcus. Mr. Thomas Waterman, Mr. John 
Birchard and Mr. John Post, and other proprietors, inhabit- 
ants of Norwich, their heirs, successors, and assigns for ever, 
according to the Tenor of East Greenwicli in Kent, in free 
and comon soccage and not in capitte, nor by Knite's ser- 
vice, they to make improvement of the same as they are 
capable according to the custom of the country, yielding, 
"rendering, and paieing therefore to our sov^ereign Lord the 
king, his heires and successors, his dues according to Charter. 
In witness whereof, we have caused the Seale of the Colony 
to be hereunto affixed this twenty-first of May, 1685, in the 
first year of the reigne of our sovereigne lord James the Sec- 
ond, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, nnd 
Ireland, King, Defender of the faith. 

ROBERT TREAT, Governor. ''' 

^^^^*-N March SO"", 1687, pr order of Gov'. 

{ ) and Company of the Colony of Connect- 

< SEAL. > • ^^ *^ -^ "^ 

I ^ icutt. 

^-^■N^^-' Signed pr 

John Allyn, Secrety. 

Entered in the pub. records, Lib. D : fo. 138, 139, 
Nov^27"', 1685: pr 

John Allyn, Secrety. 

Twelve Patentees were chosen l)y the town ; but 
from some cause unknown, Thomas Adgate, who was 
one, is not named in the instrument as recorded on the 
town books. They will all be recognized as belonging 
to the original band of proprietors, with the exception 
of Capt. James Fitch and Mr. Benjamin Brewster. 

Capt. Fitch soon afterwards removed to a large tract 
of land that he had obtained on Quinebaug river, and 
connnenced a plantation at a place then known as 
Peagscomsuck, now Canterbury. The first framed 
house and barn in that place were built by him. In 
1688, he tendered " his accommodations in Norwich" 
to the town, for a parsonage, and again in 1694. But 
his offers were not accepted. Four years afterwards 
8 



82 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

his house and homelot upon the plain were purchased 
by the two brothers, Simon and Samuel Huntington. 

Few persons of that period had more influence in 
this part of the colony than Capt. or as he W'as after- 
wards styled, Major Fitch. He was a noted friend and 
patron to the Indians, and after the death of Maj. 
Mason, possessed more sway over the Sachems than 
any other individual, not excepting their other distin- 
guished advocate, Capt. Samuel Mason. The signa- 
ture of Owaneco, subsequent to the year 1G80, was 
considered of no value unless countersigned by Capt. 
Fitch ; the Sachem, with the consent of the General 
Court, having authorized him to act as his guardian. 

Capt. Fitch, with Iiis brothers Samuel and Daniel, 
were highly esteemed as brave soldiers and experien- 
ced partizans in Indian warfare. The early inhabit- 
ants of Norwich were a spirited and enterpising people, 
ever ready to sally forth on emergencies, to protect 
themselves and their neighbors from the savage foe. 
An instance occurred in the summer of 1696, when a 
band of Moliawks committed some depredations on 
the western towns in Massachusetts. A rumor having 
reached Capt. Filch that a party of them had been 
seen skulking about Woodstock, he hastened from his 
farm to Norwich, collected a band of whites and Mohe- 
gans, and plunged into the forests in pursuit of the 
enemy. From Woodstock, he sent a part of his force 
under his brother Daniel, to range the Avoods farther to 
the west, which they did, scouring the country as far 
as Oxford, Worcester and Lancaster. 

At the close of the century, an act was passed rela- 
tive to a new division of the common lands, which led 
to an enumeration of the inhabitants. The number of 
accepted inhabitants enrolled, was eighty-three ; other 
male residents, twelve. Either this list was never 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 83 

tlioionglily completed, or the population had decreased 
since 1684, which is not very probable. From the list 
of cattle marks, and the new names at intervals appear- 
ing upon record, we may conclude that at the com- 
mencement of a new century, the town contained at 
least one hundred and twenty-five or one hundred and 
thirty, full grown men. Of the first proprietors a rem- 
nant still lingered to enjoy the social and religious 
institutions which they had founded. Rev. Mr. Fitch, 
Lieut. Leffingwell, Deacon Simon Huntington, Thomas 
Adgate, Lt. William Backus, Thomas Post, John Post, 
John Reynolds, and Morgan Bowers, are enumerated 
in the above act, as the remaining survivors of the first 
thirty-five. To them we may add John Tracy and 
John Gager, who were still living, though not men- 
tioned in this enrolment. 



CHAPTER X. 



The Thirty-five. 



We now approach the period when the first class of 
settlers disappear from the scene. One generation has 
passed away, and another is rapidly verging towards 
the down-hill of life. 

Before dismissing this venerated band to their last 
resting-place, the few facts which have been ascer- 
tained respecting each proprietor and his immediate 
family, will be briefly stated. It would render the 
work too voluminous to trace the genealogy through 
their descendants, and in most cases it would not be 
practicable. Many of the names are not now to be 
found in Norwich proper, but are scattered over the 
nine miles square, and in the adjoining towns of Can- 
terbury, Windham, Mansfield and Lebanon, which in 
their origin may be considered as colonies from Nor- 
wich. 

REV. MR. FITCH. 

This excellent man was born at Boking, in the 
county of Essex, Eng., in 1622. His early education 
was attended to with great care, so that he was well 
skilled in the learned languages, when he came to 
America. He was then only sixteen years of age, 
being one of a band of thirteen youths, all designed for 
the ministry, who came over at the same time. He 
was placed, after his arrival, under the instruction of 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 85 

Messrs. Hooker and Stono, at Hartford, wliere he re- 
mained seven years. In 1646, a churcli was formed in 
Saybrook,of which Mr. Fitch was ordained pastor. Mr. 
Hooker was present at his ordination, but the imposi- 
tion of hands was by two of the brethren, appointed by 
the church to that office. This was a congregational 
ordination in the strictest sense of the term. The 
same form was also used at the same place fourteen 
years afterwards, at the ordination of the Rev. Thomas 
Buckingham. When a part of Mr. Fitch's church 
decided, in 1660, to remove to Norwich, it was a sub- 
ject of some contention between the two parties wheth- 
er he should stay with those who were to remain, or 
go with those who should remove. He was greatly- 
beloved by all, and each side claimed him. After sol- 
emn prayer and long deliberation, Mr. Filch decided 
that it was his duty to keep with the majority, and 
this brought him lo Norwich. Soon after his removal 
thither, the people of Hartford invited him to become 
their minister, thinking, probably, that the hardships 
of a new settlement, and the prospect of extensive use- 
fulness in a wider and more elevated sphere, might in- 
duce him to leave his flock. The only reply he sent 
to their invitation was this : "With whom then shall I 
leave these few poor sheep in the wilderness ?" 

The oldest Election Sermon of which any record 
has been discovered, was preached by Mr. Fitch, in 
1674, from this text: "For I, saith the Lord, will be 
unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the 
glory in (he midst of her." 

As a pastov, Mr. Fitch was zealous aad indefatiga- 
ble. Seeing the Indians around him sunk in darkness 
and stupidity, his heart was touched with pity, and he 
spared no pains to alleviate their condition, both in a 
spiritual and temporal point of view. His house was 



86 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

open to their roving parties, and he never failed to dis- 
pense to them, according- to his ability, food, raiment 
and instruction. He learned their language, and often 
went among them, endeavoring to enlighten their 
minds, and win them from vice and degradation. 
The legislature of the State particularly requested him 
to teach Uncas and his family Christianity. But little 
impression was, however, made on the minds of the 
chieft, though many of the common people listened 
with attention, and some, as has been already stated, 
gave evidence of true conversion. 

The Mohegan Sachems, notwithstanding their dis- 
inclination to Christianity, were warmly attached to 
Mr. I'itch and his family. Large tracts of land, con- 
veyed to them either in trust, or as absolute grants, 
attest their friendship and confidence. A part of the 
town of Lebanon, five miles in length, and one in 
breadth, was bestowed by Owaneco on Mr. Fitch and 
his friend, Capt. Mason. This tract was for a time 
under the jurisdiction of Norwich, and was familiarly 
called The Mile. In Mr. Fitch's share of this tract, 
there was a large Cedar Swamp, which b}^ the princi- 
ple of association suggesting to the mind of its accom- 
plished owner the Cedars of Lebanon, led him to be- 
stow the name of Lebanon on the whole tract. 

Mr. Fitch was highly esteemed by his contempora- 
ries as a penetrating and solid preacher, an enterprizing, 
energetic, and holy man. He was disabled from per- 
forming public service in 1694, but the town still 
continued to supply him witli a comfortable mainte- 
nance, voting him an annual present, varying from 
£20 to £bO. He died in 1702, among his children at 
Lebanon, he being then about eiglity years of age. His 
tomb-stone, with a Latin epitaph, is at that place and 
in good preservation. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 87 

By his two wives Mr. Fitch had fourteen children , 
whose births are all recorded in Norwich, though a 
part of them were born at Saybrook, previous to his 
removal. His first wife was Abigail, daughter of the 
Rev. Henry Whitefield, by whom he had two sons and 
four daughters, viz : 

James, born 1649. Hannah, born 



Abigail, " 1650, Samuel, " 1655. 

Elizabeth," 1652. Dorothy, " 1658. 

Mrs. Abigail Fitch died at Saybrook, in 1659. Mr. 
Fitch married for his second wife Priscilla, daughter to 
Major Mason, in 1664, by whom he had seven sons 
and one daughter, viz : 



Daniel, born 


1665. 


Anna, born 


1675. 


John, " 


1667. 


Nathaniel, " 


1679. 


Jeremiah, " 


1670. 


Josiah, " 


1681. 


Jabez, " 


1672. 


Eleazer, " 


1683. 



Mr. Fitch had a brother, Thomas, who came to this 
country with him, settled at Norwalk, and was father 
to Thomas Fitch, Governor of Connecticut. 

Elizabeth, the second daughter of Mr. Fitch, mar- 
ried Rev. Edward Taylor, of Wesi field, Mass. Among 
the collections of the Connecticut Historical Society is 
an original letter written by him to Miss Fitch during 
his courtship, which, from some expressions in it, would 
seem to have been despatched by a trne carrier pigeon ; 
but perhaps these allusions may be explained by suppo- 
sing the image of a dove stamped on the seal. The 
daughters of Mr. Fitch were beautiful in person, and 
highly accomplished for the period. A letter like this 
of Mr. Taylor's would scarcel}" have been written to a 
person of ordinary attainments. A part of it may be 
(juoted as a specimen of the quaint and metaphorical 
taste of the age. 



88 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

" This for my friend and only beloved, Miss Elizabeth 
Fitch, at her father's house in Norwich. 

" Westfield, 8 day of 7th month, 1674. 

" My Dove, 

" I send you not my heart, for that I trust is 
sent to heaven long since, and unless it hath wofully deceived 
me, it hath not taken up its lodgings in any one's bosom on 
this side of the Royal City of the Great King, but yet the 
most of it that is allowed to be layed out upon any creature 
doth safely and singly fall to your share. 

" So much my post pigeon present you with here in these 
lines. Look not, I entreat you, upon it as one of Love's 
hyperboles, if I borrow the beams of some sparkling meta- 
phor to illustrate my respects unto thyself by, for you having 
made my breast the cabinet of your affections, as I yours 
mine, I know not how to offer a fitter comparison to set out 
my love by than to compare it unto a golden ball of pure fire, 
rolling up and down my breast, from which there flies now 
and then a spark like a glorious beam from the body of the 
flaming sun. But alas ! striving to catch these sparks into a 
love-letter unto yourself, and to gild it with them as with a 
sunbeam, I find that by what time they have fallen through 
my pen upon my paper they have lost their shine, and fall 
only like a little smoke thereon instead of gilding them, 
wherefore, finding myself so much deceived, I am ready to 
begrudge my instruments, for though my love within my 
breast is so large that my heart is not sufficient to contain it, 
yet they can no more make room to ride into, than to 
squeeze it up betwixt my black ink and white paper. But 
know that it is the coarsest part that is chouchant there, for 
the purest is too fine to clothe in any linguish huswifry, or 
to be expressed in words." 

The writer then proceeds to show " that conjugal 
love should exceed all other love," but in illustrating 
this point he runs into the style of a sermon and the 
lover is almost lost in the theologian. 

Mr. Taylor was a man of great erudition, and left a 
large number of MSS. behind him. One of his daugh- 
ters was mother of President Styles. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 89 

The descendants of the Rev. Mr. Fitch arc exceed- 
ingly numerous ; elev'en of his children, if not more, 
lived to have families. Capt. James Fitch, already 
mentioned, was the father of nine sons, only one of 
whom died young. 

MASON. 

Of the original hand of proprietors, Capt. Mason was 
the second laid in the grave. He died amid his family 
in Norwich in 1672, in the 73d year of his age. His 
last hours were cheered by the prayers and counsels of 
his beloved pastor and son-in-law, Mr. Fitch. Two 
years before, he had requested his fellow citizens to 
excuse him from all further public services, on account 
of his age and infirmity ; so that the close of his life 
was tranquil and unharrassed by care and responsibil- 
ity. He was buried about half a mile from his dwell- 
ing in a spot which the early planters had selected for 
a grave yard, but which was never used for that pur- 
pose after the year 1700. In that primitive cemetery, 
the only memorials erected in honor of the dead were 
a grassy hillock, and a l)lock of unhewni granite at the 
head and foot of the grave. No squared pillars or chis- 
elled inscriptions ever decorated this humble spot. The 
stones gradually sunk into the earth, or were removed 
by those that knew not they had any watch to keep ; 
the graves wore away to a level with the field, and then 
a little below it, and long before the end of another 
century, the ploughshare and the seedsman passed over 
and obliterated every vestige of grave and monument 
from the place. Tradition alone determines the spot 
where the noble Captain, and probably the gi eater 
part of the first band of planters were buried. 

Mason was a man of great prudence and sagacity, 



90 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

wise in council, and heroic in the field of action. The 
natural ardor of his mind, fostered by early military 
adventures, and continually called into exercise by 
great emergencies, made him a fearless leader in war. 
Sturdy in frame, and hardy in constitution ; regardless 
of danger, fatigue or exposure, he was invaluable as a 
pioneer in difficult enterprises, and a founder of new 
plantations. He was also a religious man and a 
patriot; of virtuous habits, and modeiate ambition. 
Though he sustained many high and honorable offices 
in the infant colony, he is best known by the simple 
title of Captain. There is a tradition thatafter he had 
retired from the public service, and was quietly residing 
with his family in Norwich, intelligence was received 
of some disturbance among the Indians, either at Gro- 
ton or Stonington. Mason immediately collected about 
sixty volunteers, who hastily throwing their wallets 
over their shoulders, containing provisions for two or 
three days, started for the scene of action. They 
crossed the Shetucket by fording, a little higher up 
than where the Greenville factories now stand, marched 
directly to the spot where the Indians had fixed their 
camp, chastised them, destroyed their fortifications and 
)nany of their huts, and retiuned in three days witiiout 
losing a man. It was for promptness and decision like 
this, that Mason was ever characterized. Trumbull 
comprises his peculiar traits in these few words. " He 
was tall and portly, full of martial fire, and shunned 
no hardships or dangers in the defence and service of 
the colony." 

The Pequot war commenced at a time when Con- 
necticut had only two hundred and fifty inhabitants, 
comprised principally in the three towns of Hartford, 
Wethersfield and Windsor. Out of these Mason gath- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 91 

ored a band of seventy men, and passing down Con- 
necticut river, landed in the Narragansett country, and 
being- joined by a band of friendly Indians, marched 
directly into the heart of the hostile tcrritor}^, assailed 
the Pequotsin their strongest fortress, destroyed it, laid 
waste their dwellings, and killed nearly half of the 
w^hole nation. This expedition occupied just three 
weeks. The skill, prudence, firmness and active cour- 
age displayed by Mason in this exploit, were such as 
to gain him a high standing among military command- 
ers. Viewing his conduct at this distance of time, we 
are disposed to charge him with cruelt)^ to the van- 
quished foe ; but (he same taint lies on all the early 
colonists. He only shared in the ferocious character 
of the age, and we may add, in that misconstruction 
of the spirit of Christianity, which devoted its enemies 
to immediate and vindictive destruction. 

Among the various offices held by INIason, was that 
of Major General of the militia of Connecticut ; a duty 
which obliged him to call out and exercise the militia 
of each town ten times a year : salary forty pounds per 
annum. 

When Mr. Fenwick arrived from England with a 
few persons, to mnke a plantation near Saybrook Fort, 
Capt. Mason was induced to join them, and accordingly 
removed tbither. The government of the town was 
entirely independent of tlie colony for ten years, Mr. 
Fenwick and Capt. Mason acting as sole magistrates. 
Nevertheless the latter continued to hold and exercise 
his military command in the colony. When the fort 
passed into the liands of the colony. Mason was ap- 
pointed to receive the investment, and at the special 
request of the inhabitants of Saylirook, he was made 
commander of the station. During the winter of 
1647-8, the Fort in some unknown way took fire, and 



92 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

together with the buildings attached to it, was burnt to 
the ground. The Captain, with his wife and child^ 
very narrowly escaped. 

The people of New Haven were not entirely satisfied 
with then" location, and formed a design of removing to 
a tract of land which they had purchased on the Del- 
aware river. In 1651, they proposed this matter to 
Capt. Mason, urgently requesting him to remove with 
them, and take the management of the company. 
This invitation is a proof of the high opinion his con- 
temporaries had formed both of his civil and military 
talents. The oilers they made him were liberal, and 
he was on the point of accepting, when the legislature 
of Connecticut interfered, entreating him not to leave 
the colony, and declaring, that they could by no means 
consent to his removal. Finding that his presence was 
considered essential to the safety of Connecticut, he 
declined the olfers of New Haven. If he went, there 
was no one left, Avho could make his place good ; 
neither had New Haven any person in reserve, who 
could fill the station designed for him, and therefore 
the projected settlement never took place. The active 
disposition of Mason, however, never lacked employ- 
ment. There was scarcely a year in which he was not 
obliged to go on some expedition among the Indian 
tribes, to negotiate, or to fight, or to pacify their mutual 
quarrels. At one time, his faithful friend Uncas, was 
in danger from a powerful league of the other tribes, 
but the seasonable preparations of Mason for his relief, 
frightened the foe into peace and submission. At 
another time, he was sent with arms and men to the 
assistance of the Long Island Indians, against Nini- 
grate, the powerful Sachem of the Nehanticks, who 
threatened them with extirpation. This service he 
gallantly performed; but only two years afterwards 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 93 

was compelled to appear again on that Island with a 
band of soldiers, in order to chastise the very Indians, 
mischievous and ungratefid, whom he had before 
relieved. 

We find him, at the same time, and for several 
years in succession, holding various public offices, all 
arduous and important, A member of two deliberative 
bodies, the Connecticut Legislature, and the Board of 
Commissioners of the United Colonies — Major General 
of the militia at home, and the acting commander in 
all expeditions abroad ; his whole life seems to be 
given to the public. In 1660 he was chosen Deputy 
Governor, to which office he was annually re-elected 
for ten years, five under the old form, and five under 
the king's charter, which united Connecticut with 
New Haven. The same year he was actively em- 
ployed in conjunction with Mr. Fitch and others, in 
eflecting the settlement of Norwich, and also in pur- 
chasing of the Mohegans a large tract of land, in behalf 
of the colony. The jurisdiction of these lands he pub- 
licly surrendered to the General Court, March 14, 
1661, receiving from them at the same time, an order 
to lay out these lands into plantations, with permission 
to reserve a farm for himself. 

Capt. Mason continued to reside in Norwich until 
his death ; though his public duties kept him absent 
fiom the place a great part of the time. His three 
sons were, 

Samuel, born . . . 1641 

John, .".... 1646 

Daniel, . " ... 1652 

His family continued to reside in Norwich for some 

years after his death. His widow, Mrs. Abigail Mason, 

was living there in 1681. The sons ultimately settled 

9 



94 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

in neighboring towns. Between the years 1704 and 
1712, they were all three residing in Slonington. 



Thomas Adgate was one of the two deacons of Mr. 
Fitch's church, ordained to office in Saybrook, 1659. 
Nothing is known of him previous to this event, but it 
is supposed that he was the only one of his family who 
emigrated to America, and that he came direct to Say- 
brook, and there resided till the settlement of Norwich. 
By his first wife, he had two daughters, born in 1651 
and 1653. Previous to leaving Saybrook, he married 
the widow of Richard Bushnell, she having at that 
time two sons and two daughters. Their children 
born in Norwich, were three daughters and one son. 
Deacon Adgate died in 1707. His son. Deacon 
Thomas Adgate 2d, born 1669, lived to be nearly 
ninety-two years of age. He had two sons, Thomas 
and Matthew. The line of Thomas, in the male 
branch, is believed to be extinct, and the descendants 
of Matthew, (who had seven sons,) have removed to 
other parts of the country. 

- .' ALLYN. i 

Matthew and Robert Allyn, the former found at 
Cambridge, in 1632, and the latter at Salem, in 1637, 
are supposed to have been brothers, and to have soon 
removed to Connecticut. Matthew settled at Hart- 
ford, and Robert at Saybrook. The latter removed 
with Winthrop, to New London, and subsequently be- 
came a proprietor of Norwich. His name is not found 
on the list of inhabitants after 1672, and the homclot 
passed into the hands of his son John, of New Lon- 
don, who in 1692, exchanged it with Joshua Abell, 
and Simon Huntington Jun., for two considerable 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 95 

tracts of land " east of the Great River," [the Thames,] 
and within the bounds of New London. In this dis- 
trict, afterwards included in Groton, and now in Led- 
yard, Robert Allyn, the son of John, and grandson of 
the proprietor Robert, had previously settled. 

In the Norwich Patent of 1685, the S. S. E. corner 
of the nine miles square is designated by " a white 
oake neere Robert All) n and Tliomas Rose's dwelling 
houses." The descendants of All3^n removed nearer 
the river, and lived upon the Point, where the station 
house of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad Com- 
pany has been recently erected. Allyn's Mountain 
and Allyn's Point, are names still retained in that 
quarter. 

Timothy Allen, who settled in Norwich about 1670, 
was of another family, and his descendants have used 
a different orthography for their name, 

BACKUS. 

The relationship between William and Stephen 
Backus, has not been accurately determined. They 
were probably brothers. One of the first settlers of 
Saybrook, was a Backus ; the name is found there as 
early as 1637. It is not improbable that William and 
Stephen Backus, proprietors, of Norwich, were the 
sons of this man, by a first marriage ; that his second 
wife was Mrs. Ann Bingham, and that he having died 
at Saybrook, previous to the removal, his relict came 
to Norwich, with Thomas Bingham, her son by a for, 
mer marriage. The death of Mrs. Ann Backus, the 
motlier of Mr. Thomas Bingham, is recorded in Nor- 
wich, in 1670. This statement, though partly conjec- 
tural, harmonizes the few facts that have been glean- 
ed. William Backus was an active man in town 
affairs, and is generally mentioned as Ensign or Lieut. 



96 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

He was married May 11, 1660, but the record does not 
state where, or to whom. The children of this mar- 
riage were 

John, born February 9, 1661. 

Sarah, 1663. 

Samuel, 1665. 

Joseph, 1667. 

Nathaniel, 1669. 

Hannah. 

This must have been a second marriage ; for Wil- 
liam Backus Jr., whom the Lieut, in certain docu- 
ments styles " my eldest son" was married in 1681. 
One of the wives of the Lieut., and most probably the 
second, was the " daughter of Lieut. William Pratte, 
of Seabrooke." 

William Backus Jr., known as Sergeant William 
Backus, in 1692, sold his house, homelot and three 
other parcels of land, in Norwich, to his father, for 
je55, and removed to " the nameless new town lying 
about ten miles N. W. of Norwich." [Lebanon.] 

Lieut. William Backus, was doubtless the last of the 
proprietors, to leave earth. He was living in 1718. 
His death is not recorded in the town books, but a 
conveyance made in 1721, speaks of him as " late of 
Norwich, deceased." 

Stephen Backus married Sarah Gardner, of East 
Hampton, Long Island, in 1666. This lady was tlie 
daughter of Capt. Lyon Gardiner, first lord of Gardin- 
er's Island. 

Their sons were Stephen, born 1670. 
Timothy, 1682. 

No record has been found of the death of Stephen 
Backus. Mrs. Sarah Backus, his widow, was living 
m 1700. About that period, Stephen, the eldest son, 
sold his property in Norwich, and removed first to 
Plainfield, and afterwards to Canterbury. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 



97 



BALDWIN. 

Several persons of the ancient name of Baldwin, 
(derived from Baldwinus, a bishop of Great Britain, 
A. D. 672,) are found among the early emigrants to 
Massachusetts. It is not ascertained whether the 
Baldwin who early settled at Saybrook, came direct 
from England or not. Farmer, in his Genealogical 
Register, observes that he may have been the Richard 
Baldwin that was in Braintree, in 1637. In that case, 
John, who removed to New London, and from thence 
to Norwich, was probably his son, but must have been 
of transatlantic birth, as John Baldwin Jr. was of 
man's age previous to 1678. John, the proprietor, 
had two sons : 1, John, who died in 1700, and as far as 
appears, without leaving any sons : 2, Thomas, who 
married, in 1684, Sarah, daughter of John Calkins. 
The children of this marriage were all daughters. By 
his second wife, Abigail Lay, Thomas had three sons: 
Thomas, born 1701. Ebenezer, born 1710. 
John, '• 1704. 

The name is still a common one in the towns around 
Norwich. The late Judge Baldwin, of New Haven, 
born in 1761, was a native of Norwich, and descended 
from this stock. 



Nothing has been ascertained respecting Thomas 
Bingham previous to the settlement. He married 
Mary Rudd, Dec. 12, 1666. Their children were 

Thomas, born 

Abel, " 

Mary, " 

Jonathan, '* 

Ann, '^ 



1667. 


Abigail, born 


1679. 


1669. 


Nathaniel, " 


1681. 


1672. 


Deborah, " 


1683. 


1674. 


Samuel, " 


1685. 


1677. 


Joseph, " 


1688. 




Stephen, " 


1690. 



98 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Thomas Bing-ham 2d. married Hannah, youngest 
daughter of Lt. William Backus, and settled in Wind- 
ham. The name is no longer to be found in Nor- 
wich, but is still common in the vicinity. 

BIRCHARD. 

John Birchard was a man of considerable note among 
the proprietors, and perhaps the best clerk in the com- 
pany. The earliest records are supposed to be in his 
hand-writing-. He officiated also as townsman and 
constable, and was the fiist Commissioner of the Peace. 
Hence he was always designated as Mr. Birchard. His 
origin has not been traced. The orthography of those 
times was so uncertain, that he may have been of the 
same family with Edward Bircher, who arrived in 
Plymouth, 1623. He mariied Christian Andrews in 
1653, by whom he had a large family of sons and 
daughters. The sons were all born in Norwich, viz., 

Sanmel, born 1663. John, born 1671. 

James " 1665. Joseph, " 1673. 

Thomas, " 1669. Daniel, " 1680. 
The name is still found in Norwich, Mansfield, and 
perhaps other towns of this vicinity. 

BLISS. 

It is probable that most of the families of this name 
scattered through New England, may be traced back 
to George Bliss, who removed from Lyme to Sand- 
wich in 1637. Admitting that this man wns the father 
of Thomas, who was one of the first settlers of Reho- 
both, in 1643: of Nathaniel, who was at Springfield, 
in 1646, and John, ;it Northampton, in 1658, the ge- 
nealogy loses its intricacy. Thomas may have re- 
moved from Rehoboth to Saybrook, for the purpose of 
joining the company then projecting the settlement of 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 99 

Norwich.* In the history of Rehoboth, (a very valu- 
able work, by Leonard Bliss Jr..) the name of Thom- 
as Bliss does not appear after 1650; that of Jonathan 
Bliss, perhaps another brother, supplies its place. 

Thomas Bliss, of Norwich, died in 1700, being about 
80 years of age. His two sons were 

Thomas, born 1651, deceased, 1681. 
Samuel, " 1657, " 1709. 

He had six daughters, viz. : Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, 
Dolinda, Ajmfi, Rebecca. The descendants of the 
male branch in a right line, still reside upon the home- 
lot of their ancestors. The house, though in good 
preservation, is one of the oldest in town. Seven gen- 
erations have dwelt in it, and though often repaired 
and modified, itis supposed not to have been entirely 
rebuilt since its erection by the first proprietor. This, 
and the old Grover and Post houses, are probably the 
only dwellings in the town, any part of which can look 
back beyond the year 1700. 

BOWERS. 

Very little is known of Morgan Bowers. He appears 
to have been illiterate and thriftless. In the year 1700 
he was still living, but so poor and infirm as to be in 
part supported by his neighbors and townsmen ; appa- 
rently the first case of penury that had occurred in the 
community. As the name continued in the town at a 
later date, it is inferred that he left children, but no 
record of them has been found. 

BRADFORD. 

John Bradford was the son of Gov. William Bradford 

* That Thomas Bliss, of Rehoboth, and Thomas Bliss, of Norwich, 
were the same person, is a conjecture, resting only on identity of name 
and coeval existence. 



100 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

of Plymouth, by his first wife, Dorothy. He was left 
either in England or Holland, when his parents came 
out in the May Flower. His mother fell overboard 
and was drowned, Dec. 7, 1620, while the vessel was 
anchored in Plymouth harbor, before they had fixed 
on a place for settlement, and while her husband was 
absent in the shallop, exploring the coast. It is not 
ascertained when John Bradford arrived in this country. 
Very little is known respecting- the early part of his 
life ; for neither Morton, nor Prince, the earliest 
authorities respecting Plymouth colony, give any hint 
of the existence of this son of Gov. Bradford. He 
lived first in Duxbury and afterwards in Marshfield 
and was the Representative of both places in the Plym- 
outh Court.* "He married Martha Bourne, daughter 
of Thomas Bourne, as is proved by Thomas Bourne's 
will, and by deeds of John Bradford's farm, in Marsh- 
field, which he sold in 1663 and 1664, which deeds 
are signed by Martha, his wife."t He appears next 
at Norwich, where his homelot was laid out with those 
of the first purchasers, in Nov., 1659. His name is 
often found on committees requiring prudent counsel 
and integrity of character, and though sometimes styled 
simply Goadman Bradford, he is usually distingished 
as Mr. Bradford, which was then an appellative of 
respect. 

He died in 1678. His widow shortly afterwards 
married their near neighbor, Lieut. Thomas Tracy. 
This we learn from an instrument dated Feb. 20, 1679, 
wherein Martha, the wife of Thomas Tracy, styles 
herself executrix of the estate of her late husband, Mr. 
John Bradford. It is not ascertained that Mr. Bradford 



* Farmer. f F. P. Tracy, of Williamsburg, Mass. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 101 

left any posterity, the presuiuption is to the contrary. 
His nephew, Thomas Bradford, was an inhabitant of 
Norwich in 1678, and probably a member of his uncle's 
family, and inheritor of a part of his estate. 

Mrs. Martha Tracy is supposed to have died in 1689. 
In an instrument dated at Norwich April 12, 1690, 
Maj. William Bradford, of Plymouth, conveys to his 
son Thomas Bradford, of Norwich, one ninth part of 
all the real and personal estate " of my loving sister 
Martha, the wife and late the relict widow of my well 
beloved brother, John Bradford, late of Norwich, de- 
ceased," which the said Martha, by her last will and 
testament, had bequeathed to him. In 1691 Thomas 
Bradford sold his property in Norwich, which included 
the homelot that had belonged to his uncle, and 
removed to a farm in the vicinity, though not within 
the bounds of Norwich. He died in 1708. 

William Bradford, another grandson of Gov. Brad- 
ford, married Anna Fitch, the youngest daughter of 
the Rev. James Fitch. 

CAULKIiVS. 

Two of this name, Hugh and his son John, were 
among the thirty-five propiictors. Hugh was one of the 
first deacons of the church, and it is inferred, from the 
various offices he held, a man of sound discretion, and 
considerable experience and activity. He was admit- 
ted a freeman of Lynn, Mass., in 1642 ; but removed 
the next year to Gloucester, of whicii town he was a 
representative in 1650 and 1651. In 1654, if not ear- 
lier, he was an inhabitant of New London, where he 
had a homelot in the town plot, and a farm at Nehan- 
tick, laid out to him. It does not appear that he ever 
resided in Saybrook, though he must have been there 



102 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

at the gathering- of the church which was to accom- 
pany Mr. Fitch to the new plantation, as he was chosen 
one of its deacons. His name is found on the list of 
inhabitants at New London, until 1660. He had two 
sons, John and David. The latter succeeded to his 
father's property in New London. John, who seems 
to have resided previously at Saybrook, removed with 
his father to Norwich. Deacon Hugh died about 
1690, leaving " his accommodations in Norwich" to 
his grandson Hugh, oldest son of John. 

The name is variously spelt, both with and without 
the u and the s. In the earlier records it is generally 
Calkin. The family tradition is that Hugh came from 
Wales. Though an illiterate man himself, his sons 
appear to have been well educated for that period. It 
is a singular fact, that neither of the two deacons of 
Mr. Fitch's church could write. Both Thomas Adgate 
and Hugh Calkins invariably affix a mark instead of 
hand-writing to their documents. Others of the pro- 
prietors, — as Stephen Backus, John Pease, John Gager, 
Thomas Howard, John Reynolds, and Richard Edger- 
ton, were in the same predicament. 

John Calkins, the proprietor, brought with him to 
Norwich a young wife aiul infant son. He died in 
1703, and his wife in 171L They had seven children : 
the sons were — 

Hugh, born 1659. 

John, " at Norwich, . . . 1661. 

Samuel, u u a ... 1663. 

Hugh 2d married for his first wife, Sarah, daughter 
of Thomas Sluman deceased, and step-daughter to 
Solomon Tracy, by whom he had four sons. His 
second wife was Lois Slandish. One of his sons was 
the father of Solomon Calkins, from whom the various 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 103 

families of the name afterwards found in Lebanon and 
Sharon, descended. 

EGERTON, 

Nothing antecedent to the settlement at Norwich can 
be ascertained respecting Richard Edgerton, except 
the date of his marriage, viz, 1653. 

He had two sons, Richard and John ; the latter born 
June 12, 1662. The name is still a common one in 
Norwich and the adjoining towns. 

GAGER. 

William Gager, "a right godly man, and a skilful 
chyrurgeon," came to America with Gov. Winthrop, 
in 1630. After his arrival, he was elected deacon of 
the church at Chailestown, but died the same year, 
together with his wife and two children, from a disease 
contracted by ill diet at sea, which swept off many of 
the emigrants. John, the son of Dr. William, removed 
to Say brook with the younger Gov. Winthrop, and 
from thence accompanied his patron to New London, 
where his name is found on the oldest list of inhabit- 
ants extant. The elder Gov. Winthrop remembered 
him in the following item of his last will and testament. 
" I will that John Gager shall have a cow, one of the 
best I shall have, in recompense of a heifer his father 
bought of me, and two ewe goats, and ten bushels of 
indian corn." He joined the company of Norwich 
proprietors and removed to the new plantation, in 
1660. He had nine children, whose births are recorded 
in Norwich, though most of them were born before the 
settlement. Only three of them were sons, viz: 

John, born 1647. William, born 1660. 

Samuel, " 1654. 
He died Dec, 10, 1703. His descendants are still 



104 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

found in the place. Othniel Gager, the present 
Town Clerk, is the sixth in descent from the first pro- 
prietor. 



Very little is ascertained respecting Stephen Giffords. 
His immediate successors were Stephen and Samuel 
Giffords, and Samuel Giffords, Jr. Stephen the 2d 
was a deacon of the church at West Farms. 

GRISWOLD. 

Lieut. Francis Griswold was one of the most active 
and enterprising men in the first company of settlers. 
He was probably the same Francis Griswold, who was 
in Cambridge, Mass., in 1637, and admitted a freeman 
in 1645. His wife was Mary, and their daughter Han- 
nah was born March 1, 1644. [See Farmer's Genea- 
logical Register.] He died in 1671. Thomas Adgate 
and John Post Sen., appear to have been guardians to 
his orphan children, an accurate list of whose names 
has not been obtained. His daughter Mary married 
Jonathan Tracy, in 1672. His oldest and perhaps his 
only son, Capt. Samuel Griswold, was born in 1665, 
married Susannah Huntington in 1685, and died 1740. 
The sons of Capt. Samuel were Francis, Samuel, John 
and Joseph. Joseph, born in 1706, lived to his 90th 
year; was a deacon of the church, and venerable, not 
only for age, but. for piety. 

HIDE. 

The Hides or Hydes of Saybrook, appear to have 
been older emigrants than those of that name in Mas- 
sacliusetts. They may have come direct from the old 
country in company with Fenwick. The name is an 
ancient and honorable one in the annals of England, 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 105 

By the marriage of Anne Hyde, daughter of the earl of 
Clarendon, with the duke of York, afterwards James 
II., tlie stock was ingrafted into the royal family. 

William Hide, tiie proprietor, was undoubtedly of 
much humbler origin, but a man of discretion and in- 
tegrity. He often served as townsman of the West 
end. 

In a deed of 1679, he is mentioned as "old Goodman 
Hide." He died in 1681. No reference has been 
found to any of his children, except Samuel and a 
daughter Hester, the wife of John Post. His grandson 
William succeeded to his homestead. 

Samuel Hide and Jane Lee were mariicd in Say- 
brook, 1659, and their daughter Elizabeth was the first 
born of Norwich. The record of their children stands 
thus : 

Elizabeth, born Aug., 1660. William born 1669. 

Phebe, " 1662. Thomas, " 1672. 

Samuel, " 1665. Jabcz, '< 1677. 

John " 1667. 

Samuel died in 1677, leaving his seven children, all 
minors ; Mr. Birchard became their guardian. 

This is one of the familes that have become numer- 
ous and been widely dispersed. In 1779, there were 
more than twenty families of Hydes, numbering over 
150 persons, in the western part of tlie Town Plot, and 
the societies of West Farms and Portipaug. 

HOLMSTEAD. 

John Holmstead or Ohnstead, has not been traced 
beyond the era of the settlement. His wife was aunt 
to Joseph and Richard Bushnell, and most probably 
by their mother's side, in which case she must have 
been the daughter of Matthew Marvyn of Hartford. Mr. 
Holmstead died before 1679, as a deed of that date 
10 



106 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

mentions " the widow Olmsted." He left no children ; 
the homestead passed into the hands of the Bushnells. 
In 1686, Elizabeth Holmstead who styles herself the 
sole heir to her husband's estate, and executrix of his 
will, relinquished a two thousand acre right '* in the 
plantation above Norwich," belonging to her late hus- 
band, to his near kinsmen, Lt. James and Ensign John 
Holmstead, of Norwalk.* 

HOWARD. 

Very little is known of Thomas Howard ; it is even 
doubtful whether he was one of the original thirty-five ; 
but his home lot was laid out with the others. He 
married Mary Wollman, in 1666. He appears to have 
owned lands east of the Shetucket, a part of which he 
sold to Greenfield Larrabee,in 1671. He died in 1696. 
His widow married William Moore. 

HUNTINGTON. 

The numerous families in New England, of the 
name of Huntington, may all be traced back to one 
common ancestor, viz : Simon Huntington, an emi- 
grant from Norwich, in England. He had a brother 
Samuel, who was a Captain in the King's Life Guards; 
but he himself being a noted Puritan, and of course 
exposed to persecution, united him.self to a small, but 
devoted company, who for the sake of unmolested wor- 
ship, had resolved to emigrate to America. With these 
he embarked in 1639 or 40, for Saybrook, Conn., where 
Mr. Fenwick, who accompanied them, proposed to 
effect a settlement in behalf of the original patentees 
of the colony. Mr. Huntington, brought with him his 
three sons, Simon, Christopher and Samuel, he being 



• QuERE. Are not Holmstead and Hempstead, originally the same 
name ? 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 107 

about fifiy years of age, and his sons in the bloom of 
youth. He fell sick on the voyage, and died just as 
the vessel entered the mouth of Connecticut river, and 
came in sight of the port to which they were bound. 
The vessel anchored in the river, and he was buried 
upon the shore. His son Samuel afterwards settled at 
Newark, in New Jersey, but Simon and Christopher, 
after residing 20 years at Sny brook, removed to Nor- 
wich. 

Simon was born in 1629 ; married Sarah Clarke 
1653. He was for many years deacon of the church 
at Norwicli, and a man of great respectability and in- 
fluence. He died in 1706. Six sons survived him, 

Nathaniel, born 1672. 
Daniel, " 1676. 

James, " 1680. 

Joseph settled in Windham, and was the ancestor 
of Gov. Huntington : Samuel in Lebanon ; the others 
continued in Norwich. 

Christopher Huntington, the proprietor, W'as married 
at Windsor, in 1652, to Ruth Rockwell. There is no 
account of but three children of this marriage, viz : 

Clnistopher, born Nov. 1, 1660. John, born, 1666. 

Thomas, " 1664. 

Thomas settled at Mansfield. 

It is not ascertained when the first Christopher died. 
The second Christopher, the first born son of Norv/ich, 
had a noble family of twelve children, most of them 
sons. The two wives of deacon Christopher, were 
Sarali Adgate, and Judith, widow of Jonathan Brews- 
ter. His daughter Ruth was the mother of Dr. Elea- 
zer Wlieelock, the founder of the Indian school at 
Lebanon, and first President of Dartmouth college. 

In the early part of the next century, there were per- 



vvz.: 




Simon, born. 


1659. 


Joseph, " 


1661. 


Samuel, " 


1665. 



108 HISTORY or NORWICH. 

haps no more distinguished men in town, than the 
three Huntingtons, Mr. Isaac, Ensign James, and 
Capt. Hezekiah ; the latter afterwards deacon and 
Col. The Huntingtons, although extensively diffus- 
ed in other towns, have always been numerous in the 
neighborhood of their first settlement. The home- 
steads of their ancestors have never been alienated to 
other names. From an enumeration made in 1779, 
we learn that there were at that time fifteen families 
of this name, comprising about one hundred persons 
in what was called the east end of the town plot, or 
First Society. 

LEFUNGWELL. 

Thomas Leffingwell, usually mentioned with the 
military prefix of Serg., Ensign, or Lieut., denoting 
the rank he held in the train-bands after he came to 
Norwich, was a native of Croxhall, England, and one 
of the earliest planters of Saybrook. In his testimo- 
ny before the Court of Commission at Stonington, in 
1705, he says he was acquainted with Uncas, in the 
year 1637, and was knowing to the assistance render- 
ed by the Sachem to the English, then and ever after, 
during his life. It may be inferred from this, tliat he 
was personally engaged in the Pequot war. He also be- 
louged to Capt. Denison's volunteer company of Eng- 
lish and Mohegans, during Philip's war. Only three 
of his sons have been traced, viz : Thomas, Nathan- 
iel and Samuel. He died about the year 1710. Ma- 
ry, his wife, Feb. 6, 1711. The name, Thomas^ de- 
scended in a right line, for five generations, each that 
bore it, living to a good old age. 

Thomas Leffingwell 2d., born 1649, married Mary 
Bushnell in 1672; died 1724. His pious and vene- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 109 

rable partner, survived him more than twenty years, 
living to be ninety-one years of age. 

Thomas tiie 3d, born 1674, died 1733. 

Thomas the 4th, born 1704, died 1793. 

Tliomas the 5th, died unmarried, in the year 1814, 
aged eighty-two. 

The staff of the venerated Lieutenant, brought with 
him from his native place in 1637, and bearing his in- 
itials on its silver head, is in the possession of one of 
his descendants, N. L. Sliipman, Esq. 

Lieut. Leffingwell, was one of the last survivors of 
the proprietors. He had lived to see a great altera- 
tion take place in the nine miles square, since he first 
viewed it from the Mohegan heights. The dwellings 
of upright, intelligent, and industrious men, were scat- 
tered at intervals, over the surface ; the pleasant mea- 
dows upon the banks of the livers, were reclaimed and 
cultivated, the uplands were cleared for grazing, the 
rocky pastures were clothed with flocks, and extensive 
fields in the suburbs, now comprised in other towns, 
were planted with wheat and Indian corn. The wil- 
derness and solitary place had blossomed as the rose. 

PEASE. 

Of John Pease, little is known. We find him with 
Gov. Winthrop, at New London, in 1650, and ten 
years afterwards, trace him to Norwich, where his 
homelot was at the extreme west end of the town. 
We do not find his name after 1673. The conjecture 
may be hazarded, that he was son of Henry Pease, 
mentioned by the elder Winthrop, in a letter to his son 
at New London, dated at Boston, June 14, 1648 : — 
" Henry Pease, my old servant, died this day senight." 
[Sec Winthrop's Journal.] 
10* 



110 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

POST. 

This family is supposed to have been of that origi- 
nal band of planters of Saybrook, who came direct 
from England, in 1639. Thomas and John, who re- 
moved to Norwich, were brothers ; others of the name 
were left at Saybrook. Thomas was married in 1656, 
to Mary Andrews. She died at Norwich soon after 
the settlement, leaving a daughter Sarah, who after- 
wards married a Vincent. The second wife of Mr. 
Post, was Rebecca Bruin, whom he married in 1663. 
They had two sons,-Thomas, born 1664, and Joseph ; 
perhaps others. Mr. Thomas Post died in 1704. His 
son Joseph married Mary Post, of Saybrook, by whom 
he had one son, Joseph, born 1747, and seven daugh- 
ters. 

John Post married Hester Hide, who died in 1681. 
His second wife was Sarah Rc3niolds, deceased, 1685. 
He had two sons, John and Samuel; the latter born in 
1668. Mr. Post died in 1704. The house built by 
Samuel Post, on the town street, is still standing, 
though the name of Post is no longer to be found in 
the place. The two large elm trees that throw their 
shade over it, were planted by his son, Samuel Post 
2d., about the year 1750. 

READ. 

John Read obtained a grant of land for a homelot 
in New London, soon after 1750. It is probable that 
Josiah, of Norwich, was his son. The marriage of 
Josiah Read and Grace Halloway, took place in 1666. 
They had eight children. The sons \vere Josiah, Wil- 
liam, John and Joseph. Josiah Read sonior, was 
living in 1699. Josiah jun. married Elizabeth Arms- 
den, in 1697. He died in 1717. This family appear 



HISTORY OFNORWICn. Ill 

to have removed at an early period to Ncwent Society, 
now Lisbon. The above-mentioned John died there 
in 1768, aged about ninety. 

REYNOLDS. 

John Reynolds appears to have removed to Say- 
brook from Massachusetts ; and prol)ably came to this 
country as early as 1635. He died in 1702, He had 
eleven children, of whom three sons lived to the age 
of manhood : John born anterior to the settlement in 
1655; Joseph, in Maich, 1660; the very period of the 
removal ; Stephen, 1682. 



Jonathan Royce was married at Saybrook, March, 
1660, to Deborah, daughter of Hugh Calkins. The 
births of two children are recorded : Elizabeth, born 
January, 1661 ; John, 1663. The death of John in 
1720, is mentioned, and the name then disappears 
from the records. 

SMITH. 

We learn from Wintlu'op's letters to his son, the 
younger John Wintbrop, that a Hem}^ Smith was with 
the latter at Saybrook, in 1636. In 1652, Nehemiah 
Smith was an inhal)itant of New London, whither Win- 
tbrop had removed, and continued there long after the 
plantation of Norwich. Tin* Neliemiah Smith of the 
latter place, may have bc('n son of the former. Only 
two cliildren of Mr. Smith have been traced ; Obadiah, 
who married Martha Al)ell in 1700, and a daughter 
married to Joshua Abell. January 12, 1684, Nehe- 
miah and Ann Smith made over their liomestead and 
other property to their son-in-law, Joshua Abell, stip- 



112 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ulating only for a maintenance during- life, they being 
"in an infirm and weakly state." 

Capt. Obadiah Smith died in 1727. His grave-stone 
bears this quaint epitaph : — 

And now beneath these carved stones, 
Rich treasure lies, — dear Smith, his bones. 



TRACY. 

^ In January, 1637, Tbomas Tracy, " ship-carpenter," 
was received as an inhabitant of Salem, Mass. He is 
supposed to have removed to Saybrook as early as 
1639. His name frequently appears upon the records 
of the General Court at Hartford, after 1644. In the 
company of Norwich proprietors he ranked high, hav- 
ing more education than most of them, and being in 
ability, enterprize and integrity, equal with the first. 
He officiated on all important committees, and as sur- 
veyor, moderator, and townsman; and between Oct., 
1662, and July, 1684, was twenty-seven times chosen 
Deputy to the General Court. He Avas also ensign of 
the train-band, and after 1678, in the Commission of 
the Peace. Even' in those days of simplicity, Mr. 
Tracy is usually mentioned with some adjunct indica- 
ting respect or the possession of oflTice ; but as " Lieft- 
anant Thomas Tracy," he was best known. This title 
was acquired from the rank he held in Capt. Avery's 
company of dragoons, raised in New London County 
in 1673. He died Nov. 7, 1685. 

Mr, Tracy brought with him from Saybrook six sons 
and one daughter, but as no reference has been found 
to his wife, it is inferred that she was then dead. In 
1679 he married Martha, the widow of John Bradford. 
His children were John, Jonathan, Thomas, Solomon, 
Daniel, Samuel and Miriam. He and his six sons were 



HISTORY OP NORWICH. 113 

for several )"ears all active men together. The order 
of his children, as to age, has not been ascertained. 

John, being ranked as a proprietor, and having a 
homelot laid out with the others in 1659, was undoubt- 
edly the eldest. If, however, all the children of Mr. 
Tracy were born atSaybrook, as seems most probable, 
we can scarcely reckon him more than twenty years of 
age at the era of the plantation. He was made a free- 
man by the General Court at Hartford in 1671 ; his 
brother Solomon in 1685. Young men at that day 
were not qualified to vote as soon as they attained their 
majority. They were obliged to acquire a character, 
and possess a certain amount of property, before they 
could become electors^ 

John Tracy married in 1670, Mary, daughter of the 
Hon. Josiah Winslow, of Plymouth — a stately and 
beautiful woman, according to tradition. He died in 
1703. His widow in 1721. A deed conveying a par- 
cel of land to his son, John Tracy jun., was signed by 
him Dec. 30, 1702. Their children were, 

John, born 1672. Joseph, l)orn 1682. 

Elizabeth, " 1675. Winslow, " 1689. 

Jonathan and Thomas Tracy settled upon a tract of 
land east of the Shetucket, purchased by their father 
from the Indians. It was afterwards included in the 
town of Preston, of which town Jonathan was the first. 
Town Clerk. He luarried in 1672, Mary, daughter of 
Lt. Francis Griswold. 

Solomon Tracy, whom we conjecturally reckon the 
fourth son of Lieut. Thomas, was married in 1678, to 
Sarah Huntington, who died in 1683. His second wife 
was Sarah, the widow of Thojuas Sluman, whom he 
married in 1686. Mr. Solomon Tracy died in 1732. 

Daniel Tracy married in 1682, Abigail Adgate, sister 
by the mother's side, to Joseph and Richard Bushneli. 



114 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Mr. Tracy was killed in the year 1728, with several 
others, by the falling of the frame work of a bridge, 
which the inhabitants were engaged in building over 
Shetucket river. He was then in the 76th year of his 
age, which gives 1652 for the date of his birth. This 
is the only one of the family whose age has been 
ascertained. 

Samuel Tracy died in 1693, unmarried. 

The descendants of Lieut. Thomas Tracy are very 
numerous, and widely dispersed. In 1779, there were 
twenty-four families of the name in Norwich, number- 
ing about one hundred and eighty persons. 

WADE. 

Robert Wade, very soon after the settlement, trans- 
ferred his homelot to Caleb Abell. His son married 
Abigail Royce, in 1691. The family has not been 
traced any farther. 

WATERMAN. 

There was a Thomas Waterman at Roxbury, Mass. 
in 1641, who died there in 1676. The identity of name 
leads to the conjectiu-e that Thomas Waterman, of 
Saybrook, and afterwards of Norwich, was his son. 
He married in 1G68, Miriam, daughter of Lieut. Thomas 
Tracy, by whom he had ten children. The sons were 
Thomas, born 1670, John, 1672, and Joseph, 1685. 
Both father and son are successively styled in the rec- 
ords. Ensign Thomas Waterman. The name was soon 
extensively spread in the vicinity of the town plot. 

WALLIS. 

Of Richard Wallis and Richard Hendy, nothing cer- 
tain has been gleaned. The latter died soon after the 
settlement. His children are mentioned as orphans 
in 1672. 



CHAPTER XI. 



Other Early Settlers. Settlers East of the Shetucket. Eichard and Joseph 
Bushnell. Cases of Trespass. 

BREWSTER. 

Mr. Benjamin Brewster was a grandson of the 
venerated elder William Brewster, of May Flower 
memory. Jonathan, the third son of the Elder, remo- 
ved to New London, where, in 1649, he was acting as 
one of the townsmen. His son Benjamin was old 
enough to convey a tract of land by deed in 1654, and 
in 1659 was married, at New London, to Anna Dart. 
He removed to Norwich very soon after the settlement. 
The birth of his daughter Anne is recorded there Sept. 
1662. His sons were 

Jonathan, born 1664. William, born 1669. 

Daniel, " 1667. Benjamin, " 1673. 

Mr. Biewster was an active and highly respected 
member of the infant plantation. In L693, he suc- 
ceeded Mr. Burchard as Commissioner of the Peace. 
His descendants are still to be found in Norwich and . 
its vicinity. In 1779 there were eleven families of 
this name in East Society. 

The venerable Mr. Seabury Brewster, now living in 
Norwich City, and one of the patriarchs of the place, is 
not, however, descended from Benjamin, but from 
't Wrestling, the second son of Elder Brewster. He was 
born at Plymouth, in 1755, and emigrated to Norwich 
when about twenty-two years of age. He is the father 



116 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

< of Sir Christopher Brewster, an eminent dentist who 
has resided a number of years in Paris and Petersburg, 
and has been knighted by the emperor of Russia. 

LATHROP. 

Samuel Lathrop was an inhabitant of New London 
in 1648, and perhaps earlier. He and John Elderkin 
appear to have been in partnership as master builders. 
The second meeting-house in New London and the 
first in Norwich were built by contract with them. Mr. 
Lathrop removed to Norwich in 1668, having pur- 
chased the homelot of Elderkin. He is found on 
record as constable the same year, and acted after- 
wards in various public capacities. 

Mr. Lathrop was the son of the Rev. John Lathrop, 
of England, a man of great piety and varied adven- 
tures. He was minister of Egerton, in Kent, before 
1624, and afterwards preached in London, as successor 
to Mr. Jacob, in the first Congregational church organ- 
ized in England. After suffering two years imprison- 
ment in England for non-conformity, he was released, 
and came to America in 1634. In this country he was 
highly esteemed, being the first minister of Scituate, 
and afterwards of Barnstable. Four sons came with 
him from England, of whom Samuel was the second. 
Samuel had nine children. His sons were — 

John, born 1646. Israel, born 1659. 

Samuel, " 1650. Joseph, " 1661. 

Mr. Lathrop died Feb. 19, 1700. His wife, Abigail, 
[her maiden name has not been ascertained,] survived 
him nearly thirty-five years, having lived into her 
104th year. On the completion of her century, Jan. 
13, 1732, the Rev. Mr. Lord preached a sermon in her 
room, at the house of her son. 

This name is frequently spelt in the records Lotrop ; 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 117 

an orthography about on a par with that occasionally 
used for Leffingwell, viz : Leppinwell. 

In 1779 there were twenty four families of the name 
of Lathrop in the Town Plot society, and that of West 
Farms. 

ELDERKIN. 

John Elderkin, carpenter and miller, the first pro- 
prietor of the Cove, emigrated to America in 1637. 
He came first to Lynn, and went from thence to Ded- 
ham. We next find him at New London, where, in 
1650, he had a houselot, and a tract of meadow and 
upland laid out to him. 

In 1654 he entered into a contract with the Saybrook 
company, who were planning the settlement of Nor- 
wich, to erect a mill for them. This was subsequently 
renewed, and the stipulations on both sides performed. 
He was accepted as an inhabitant of Norwich in 1663, 
and a liomelot laid out to him next to Mr. Adgate's. 
This he alienated to his friend and partner, Samuel 
Lathrop, and removed to the vicinity of the Mill. 
Though residing in Norwich, he still continued occa- 
sionally both to build and to grind in New London, as 
the early records of that town testify. He died June 
18, 1716, aged 95. His sons were — 

John, born 1664. Joseph, born 1672. 

James, " 1671. 

John Elderkin the second died in 1737, leaving 
three sons, Jedidiah, John and Joshua. One of these 
was the keeper of the first public house at Chelsea. 
The name has since been a noted one in Windham. 
One of (he last who bore it in Norwich was a pilot, 
who died in 1821, aged 82. 

11 



118 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Settlements were early made east of the Shetucket. 
Some of the first planters in that quarter were Samuel 
Starr, Robert Roath, Samuel Andrews, Josiah Rock- 
well, John Glover, and Grinfield Larrabee. Mr. 
Rockwell came from Windsor, and is supposed to have 
been brother to Ruth, wife of Christopher Hunting- 
ton. He died in 1675, about three years after his 
removal. His son, Josiah Rockwell 2d, on arriving at 
manhood, obtained a grant of land, which is described 
as lying "east of the Great River;" and in 1718 an 
additional tract was given him by the town, " on ac- 
count of his sheep concerns." He was married in 
1688, to Anne, daughter of Thomas Bliss, by whom he 
had two sons, Daniel and John. 

The name of Capt. Josiah Standish appears upon 
record as early as 1686, as owner of a farm east of the 
Shetucket. He was a son of Miles Standish, the 
famous hero of New Plymouth. He is supposed to have 
had in his possession the sword of his father, and 
though the house in which he lived was destroyed by 
fire, this relic was preserved. After several times 
changing hands, it was obtained by the late T. W. 
Williams, Esq., of Lebanon, and by him deposited in 
its most appropriate place, Pilgrim Hall, in Plymouth. 
Mr. Williams took great pains to trace the history of 
this sword, and was satisfied that he had established its 
claims to be the genuine weapon, both hilt and blade, 
with which Capt. Standish was accustomed to do 
battle with the Indians. But the same honor has been 
claimed, and it is said upon as good authority, by 
another sword, preserved among the collections of the 
Mass. Hist. Soc. It is not improbable that a person 
who had so much fighting to do as Capt. Standish, 
both in the old and new world, might have had two 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 119 

swords, that passed as heir-looms to dilTereiit branches 
of his family. 

Tlie marriage of Greenfield Larrabee to Alice 
Yoimgs, is recorded in 1673. Their sons were Thomas, 
John and Nathaniel. Mr. Greenfield died in 1739. 

Samuel Andrev/s probably came from Saybrook, and 
may have been brother to the wives of John Birchard 
and Thomas Post. In 1779 there were eight families 
of this name in East Society. 

Robert Roath was from New London, where either 
himself or father liad a houselot and other land granted 
him in 1650. 

John Glover married in 1682. His descendants 
remained in the town for a century or more, but have 
since dispersed. The Hon. James Glover of Ottawa, 
Illinois, was of this family, and a native of Norwich. 
He removed in early life to Illinois, and aided in the 
first settlement of that Slate. He died in 1840, in the 
73rd year of his age. 

Other names which occur at a very early period, are 
Tliomas Sloman or Sluman, Thomas Rood, CaleKand 
Joshua Abell, Jonathan Rndd, Jonathan Crane, Ste- 
phen Merrick, Hugh Amos, Jonathan Jennings, Ca- 
leb Forbes, David Knight, Owen Williams, Edward 
Culver, Timothy Allen, John Hough, Frederick Ellis, 
Richard Cooke, Peter Cross, Benjamin and Jonathan 
Armstrong, Matthew Coy, William Moore. These all 
appear within the first ten or twelve years of the plan- 
tation, and may be ranked as first settlers. Most of 
them were farmers, and settled in those parts of the 
town now included in Bozrah and Franklin. 



120 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Joseph and Richard Bushnell may be reckoned 
among the first class of ph^nters. They belonged to 
the company of proprietors, though at the period of the 
settlement they were minors in the family of John 
Holmstead, whose wife is supposed to have been sister 
to their mother. Mrs. Bushnell's maiden name was 
Mary Marvyn ; she was the daughter of Matthew and 
Elizabeth Marvyn, who came to New England in 1635, 
and settled at Hartford. She was six years of age at 
the time she arrived with her parents, and in 1648 
married Richard Bushnell of Saybrook, by whom she 
had two sons, Richard and Joseph, the former born late 
in 1651, and the latter early in 1653. Mrs. Bushnell 
afterwards married deacon Thomas Adgate, by whom 
she had several daughters and one son, 

Richard Bushnell married in 1672, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Mr. Adgate, by a former marriage. They had 
two sons, Caleb, born 1679, Ben aj ah, in 1681. 

Joseph Bushnell was married in 1673, to Mary, 
daughter of Thomas Leffingwell. Their sons were 
Joseph, born 1677, Jonathan, 1679, and Nathan, 1686. 

Mrs. Mary Bushnell died March 31st, 1748, in the 
ninety-second year of her age. 

Mr. Joseph Bushnell died Dec. 23, 1748, in the 
ninety-sixth year of his age. 

In the earlier part of the eighteenth century, Richard 
Bushnell was one of the most noted and active men in 
Norwich. After arriving at man's estate, we find him 
taking a prominent part in almost every enterprise that 
was set on foot in the place. 

In 1686 he obtained a grant of privilege — " to take 
fish in Showtucket river, and to make weares there, 
for that purpose." This privilege extended from the 
mouth of the Shctucket to the crotch of the Quinebaug, 
and was to continue for seven years. He managed a 



HISTORY OP^ NORWICH. 121 

farm also upon the GreatPlains, but had his residence 
in the town plot, where he performed successively, if 
not contemporaneously, the duties of townsman, con- 
stable, school-master, poet, deacon, sergeant, lieuten- 
ant and captain, town-agent, town deputy, court-clerk, 
and justice of the peace. 

As a school-master he w^as highly esteemed. The 
school continued only during the winter months, and 
whenever the payment received from his scholars Avas 
represented deficient, the town remunerated him with 
a piece of land. 

As a military man, it is probable that he had seen some 
actual service in scouting against the Indians, and was 
useful in exercising the train-bands. The first Mon- 
days in May and September were days of general mili- 
tia muster, or training days, as they were usually called. 
These in Norwich, as elsewhere, were always days of 
festivity. No one was so poor as not to regale his 
family with training-cake and beer at those times. In 
1708 a new start was taken in improving the appear- 
ance and exercise of the trainers. " Drums, Iwlbarts, 
and a pair of colours," were purchased for them. 

As a clerk, Mr. Bushnell exhibited an improvement 
upon the old forms of writing and spelling ; and as a 
justice, he decided numerous cases of debt and tres- 
pass, both for Norwich and the neighboring towns. 
The fine at this time for profane swearing, was ten 
sbillings, or to sit two hours in the stocks. In 1720, 
there is a record which shows that Dr. Samuel Law 
was presented for using an oath in conversation, and 
obliged to pay the penalty. The next year Henry 
Holland, of Plainfield, was proved guilty of the same 
trespass, and adjudged in the same manner to pay the 
fine and cost ; the latter amounted to 2s 2d. The same 
Henry Holland was also bound over to appear at the 
11* 



122 HISTORY or NOWICH. 

next County Court, and answer for breaking the peace 
and the law, by saying " in a tmnultuous violent threat- 
ening manner, yt he would take the head of Jona" 
Tracy off his shoulders." 

An Indian being found drunk, was brought before 
Mr. Justice Bushnell, and sentenced according to the 
statute, namely, to pay a fine of ten shillings, or receive 
ten lashes on his naked body. The Indian immediately 
accuses Samuel Bliss of selling him that afternoon that 
which made him drunk, to wit, two pots of cider. The 
fine foi selling cider or ardent spirits to an Indian, was 
tw^enty shillings, one half to go to the complainant. 
The Indian thus obtained just the sum requisite to pay 
his own mulct, and set his body clear. The record of 
this affair is as follows : 

" Feb. ye 7 1722-3. Apenanucsuck being tlrunk w^as 

brought before me R. Bushnell, Justice of ye peace. I do 
sentence ye sd Apeonuchsuck for his transgression of ye law 
to pay a fine of 10s. or to be whipt ten Lashes on y*^ naked 
body, and to pay y^ cost of his prosecution, and to continue 
in y'^ constable's custody till this sentence be perfornied. 

Cost allowed is 6s 6. 

John Waterman promises to pay 6s 4. 

Apeanuchsuck accused Samuel Bliss y' he sold him 2 
pots of cider this afternoon. Mr. Samuel Bliss appeared be- 
fore me and confessed he let sd Indian have some cider and 
I do therefore sentence sd Bliss to pay y^ fine of 20s. for ye 
transgression of y* law one half to y*" town and one half to 
complainant. R. Bushnell, Justice." 

Some other extracts from Mr. Bushnell's record ma)' 
here be given. 

•'3rd of June 170S. Joseph Bushnell of Norwich com- 
plained against himself to me Richard Bushnell, Justice of 
the Peace, for y^ he had killed a Buck contr ry to law. I 
sentenced him to pay a fine of 10s. one half to y*^ county 
treasury and one half to complainant." 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 123 

"July 20, 1720. Samuel Sabin appeareth before me R. 
B. Justice of the Peace, and complaineth against himself that 
the last Sabbath at night, he and John Olnisby went on to 
Wawwecoas Hill, to visit their relations, and were late home, 
did no harm, and fears it may be a transgression of y^ law 
and if it be is very sorry for it and dont allow himself in un- 
seasonable night-walking." 

"An inferior Court held at Norwich ye 19. Sept. 1720. 
Present R. Bushnell Justice of y*^ Peace. Samuel Fox juror 
pr. complaint, Lettis IVIinor and Hannah Minor Pis. for ille- 
gally and feloniously about y*^ 6 of Sepf inst. taking about 
30 water-milions which is contrary to Law and is to his dam- 
age he saith y^ sum of 20s. and prays for justice. This Court 
having considered y*' evidence dont find matter of fact proved, 
do therefore acquit the Dts. and order y*^ Ptf. pay the charge 
of presentment." 

Mr. Bushnell died in 1727, aged 75. His son, Capt. 
Caleb Bushnell, was also an active and enterprizing 
citizen, though he did not reside upon the town plot. 
Glimpses of his course are now and then obtained from 
the records ; as — 

" Dec 28, 1714. Granted to Capt. Calib Bushnell a con- 
venient place for building vessels on the west side of the 
river opposite the old landing place." 

" 1723. The town grants liberty to Capt. Calib Bushnell 
to set up and maintain two sufficient cart gates across the 
high-way thatgoeth to the Little Fort." 

His grave-stone says — 

" Here lyeth what was mortal of that worthy gentleman, 
Capt. Caleb Bushnell, son to Capt. Richard Bushnell Esq. 
who died Feb. 18, 1724, aged 46 years, 8 months and 23 
days." 



CHAPTER Xir 



Prices current. Town expenses. 



The town expenses at this period were usually for 
perambulating and stating bounds, laying out high- 
ways, plank for bridges, and the bounty on killing 
birds and snakes. Exclusive of this last item, the an- 
nual demands upon the treasury, frequently fell below 
jGIO. The expenses arising out of the difficulties that 
existed with neighboring towns, on account of boimda- 
ries, added some years greatly to this amount. There 
was an ever open quarrel respecting a tract of land 
south of the Norv/ich and north of the New London 
line, with the Indians or individual settlers. The dis- 
putes with Preston were still more perplexing and 
acrimonious. They commenced in 1695, and contin- 
ued for nearly a century, being a constant source of 
litigation, trouble and expense ; but as it would neither 
be interesting nor profitable to enter into these haras- 
sing affairs, the whole will be passed over with only 
this slight notice. 

List of Town Debts. Dec. 30. 1718. 

To John Tracy for killing 4 snakes, - 
Th- Leffingwell Jr. 6 do - 
Elisha Waterman 67 birds - - - 
John Rood 24 do 

Jabez Hide 5 snakes - - - - 
Th. Bingham 4 snakes and drumming 
Th. Leffingwell Jr, one day to meet New 

London Committee - - - 5 



e 


s. 


d. 








8 





1 








2 


H 





1 











10 


1 





8 



£ 


.s. 


d. 





1 








5 





6 


13 


10 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 125 

Joseph Reynolds for a plank - 
Solomon Tracy one day on Committee 
Charges about Preston Line 
Several persons for perambulating at 3s. 
pr day each. 

Public inipiovementswere usually made by the gen- 
eral labor of the citizens, or by individuals who as- 
sumed the job and were compensated by a grant of 
land. 

In 1704, Eleazer Burnham, set up a fulling mill 
" near Showtucket, by the Chemical Spring," and had 
twenty acres of land given him for his encouragement. 
From some cause or other, this enterprize did not suc- 
ceed. The same year, Mr. Edmonds of Providence, 
a blacksmith, was formally invited by the town, to 
remove thither, and a place to work in and coals pro- 
vided for his use, one blacksmith being then insuffi- 
cient for the town's convenience. 

Occasionally, we find a town expenditure for milita- 
ry equipments, and for " ammunition, with the charge 
of bringing it up from New London." 

In 1720, John and Simon Tracy, were appointed by 
the town, " to make search for the Towne Armes, with 
their magazeans of amunition and other accotrements 
for war, injoyned by law," who reported as follows : 

At Lieut. Tracy's, two guns and two pair of snow shoes. 
" Samuel P^alcs', one gun. 

" Lieut. BushncU's one gun, one barrel of powder, and 
seventeen lbs. of lead. 

At Lieut. Backus', 344 lbs. of bullets. 
" Ensign LelTingwell's, one barrel of powder. 
" Deacon Simon Huntington's half barrel of powder, 
thirty-one lb. bullets, and 400 flints. 

At Simon Tracy's, one pair of snow shoes, and 4 pr. of 
maugosuns. 

" We ware also informed, (say the Committee,) that there 



126 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

was formerly lent to Mr. John Leffingwell, pr Lieut. Bush- 
nell, seventy-one lbs. of Led, which said Leffingwell was 
obliged to pay in BuUits, y^ same quantity. All y^ Led and 
Bullits 523 pound. John Tracy, 

Simon Tracy," 

Very rarely at this period, do we find any person 
so poor as to require the assistance of the town. There 
is however, now and then, such a charge as "a pair 
of shoes for alice Cook, 55.," " a coat and leather 
breeches, for old Russell 12s.," " a sheet to bury John 
Nickols in 10s.," duly entered in the town books. In 
1723, great amazement seems to have been excited in 
the townsmen, by what they designate " the extraor- 
dinary charge of Henry Wallbridge Jr. for entertayneing 
Christian Challenge in her late sickness and distraction 
at his house." Yet the whole charge for eight weeks 
" nursing, diet, and strengthening salve," going for 
doctors, four days waiting and tending, and finally con- 
veying her to Windham, amounts only to £3 5s. 6d. 
Dr. Calib Bushnell's bill "tords tlie cure of Christian 
Challenge," stands thus, and will show what a physi- 
cian's fees then were : 

To 3 travells j£0 7 6 

to Lusisalig Bolsum, 4 
to 3 times bleeding 16 

This poor woman appears to have been a traveller, 
tra'r per, or transient person, as wandering beggars are 
indifferently called in New England, who was " rode 
over by Solomon Story on the Sabbath day, either wil- 
fully or carelessly," and being very much hurt, was 
for some time a burden on the town. 

At one time the town seems to have been greatly 
bothered with the trouble and expense of maintaining 
a poor Ediote, or as it is spelt in another place, Edj- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 127 

ouett, named Peter Davison, but the case was at last 
laid before the General Court, and relief obtained. 

Down to the period of 1730, a rate of halfpenny 
on the pound, was sufficient to liquidate all the cur- 
rent expenses. 

It may be interesting- to note the prices of a few ar- 
ticles in the earlier part of this century : 

Wheat 5s. pr. bushel. Cheese 4</.pr lb. 

Rye 3s. " Tallow 5d. 

Indian corn, " Sugar Qd. and S^^. 

Oats Is 6. " Molasses 2s. Ad. per gall. 

Turnips, Is. 0. " Quire of paper, 2s. 

Milk \\d. pr qt. pane of glass, 2s. 3d. 

Wool, Is. Ad- per lb. pair of shoes 5s. and 5s. 6. 

Beef 2d. per lb. day's work of laborer 2s. and 

Pork 3^. and 31. 3s. 

Butter 6rf. day's work with a team 6s. 

Town Clerk's salary, j£l. 10s. 
A meal of victuals at a tavern Qd. or 8(7. 
A bowl of toddy, 6rf. 
A bell rope, 3s. 

A barber's charge for once shaving, 2d. — a year's shav- 
ing,^!. 
" A fals tail," (copied from a Barber's account,) 3s. 

In 1702, the town ordered that the Law Books on 
hand, should be sold for 18c?. a piece. 

Benajah Bushnell sent by the town to New Haven, 
to appear in their behalf, before the General Court, 
absent twelve days, his whole account amounted to 
£2 10. 

The following- memorandums are in some degree 
illustrative of this period : 

" Sarah Vincent of Norwich, her portion of the pro- 
perty of her father John Post, who died in 1704." 

Here is mentioned simdry parcels of land at Con- 
necticut Plains and elsewhere, neither extent nor 
value expressed. 



123 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Received as her marriage portion £5. 

at his death 1 spade, 35. iron ware 65. 

2 augurs 2s. an old Bible 2s. 

one platter 45. pewter 45. 

The account of Thomas Blythe, 1726, for tending of Jo- 
siah Guiller. 

12 dayes tendaning, [3s. 6. per daye, £2,2 

Benjamin Slam's Sheriffs Bill of Charge on Nathaniel Otios. 
To my travell 18 miles at 3id. c£0 5 9 
To my tendence at cort, 10 

To the Corts fees, 2s. 8. 2 8 



.£095 
allowed, R. B. Justice. 

Constable's Bill. Abiall Marshall contra Nath' Gore. 
To y« writt £0 8 

ye constable's fees 3 

ye Courts fees 2 8 

ye plaintiffs attendance 1 



.£0 7 4 
This bill of cost is allowed, R. Bushnell, Justice. 

The following is a sample of simplicity and disinter- 
estedness, in making out a bill : 

"Dec. 16 day 1745. The town is Dr. to me Jacob Hide 
for 203 feet of 2 inch plank improved to make and mend 
bridges by order of the surveyor of highways. The price 
of said 208 feet of plank I think must be about 30s. more or 
less as the town thinks fit." 

Voted, that the selectmen pay Jacob Hide what is just. 



CHAPTER XIII 



In addition to their droves of neat cattle and swine, 
and flocks of sheep, the inhabitants at one time turned 
their attention to tiie keeping of goats. Herds of these 
troublesome animals roamed at large, until they became 
an intolerable nuisance. No law of the colony then 
existed for their restraint. Joseph Tracy, in 1722, 
having taken up a herd of fifty-four goats trespassing 
upon his land, impounded them : whereupon their 
owner, Joseph Backus, bought a suit against him before 
Mr. Justice Bushnell, which was decided as follows: 

" This Court having heard and considered the pleas on both 
sides in this action, and also the law quoted to, and finding 
in the last paragraph in said law it is said, ' all neat cattle 
and horses taken &c. shall pay Sd. per head, and swine 12d. 
and sheep Id. per head' and nothing in said law concerning 
goats, this Court cannot find any thing allowed in the law for 
impounding of goats and therefore this Court consider that 
the plaintiff shall recover of the defendant his cost of prose- 
cution." 

The defendant appeals from this judgment to the 
County Court to be holden at New London in June 
next. 

Nothing further appears upon record respecting 
goats, but the following item : 

" At a General Court at Hartford May 15, 1725, the rep- 
resentatives of Norwich, having laid before this court, that 
12 



130 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

the act respecting Goats, October last, is very grievous to 
their town, this Court grants liberty to said town to except 
themselves out of said act : — This town do now by their 
vote, except themselves out of said act." 

The lands upon the Yantic, at the time of the settle- 
ment, were greatly infested with wolves and foxes. 
Settling in the midst of them Avould very soon lead to 
their extirmination, or expulsion ; and this is said to 
have been one motive which actuated the proprietors 
in their choice of the first location. Long after the 
settlement, a bear or a wolf were occasionally seen, 
coming- from the woods towards their old haunts, and 
on finding- themselves near the habitations of man, 
they have rushed forward, terrified and causing terror, 
till they found a secure refuge in the uncleared swamps 
that still in some places skirted the river. 

In the early stages of the settlement, therefore, the 
craft of the hunter, the trapper, and the sportsman, 
was pursued from necessity instead of pastime. Dep- 
redations upon the fold and the barnyard were often 
made, not only by the animals named, but by another 
popularly called the TFoo//ewee^,or Sampson Fox, which 
is still occasionally seen in the wilder parts of New 
England. But these and ail the smaller mischievous 
quadrupeds, were in a few years either entirely driven 
away or reduced so greatly in number as to be seldom 
troublesome. Birds and snakes were not so readily 
vanquished, and it w^as necessary to offer rewards and 
bounties for their destruction. 

A half penny per head was first granted for each 
and every blackbird and crow killed j their heads to be 
exhibited by the claimant to one of the townsmen; 
and two pence a piece for all rattlesnakes killed be- 
tween the fifteenth of April and the first of May, the 
tail, and a bit of the bone to be received as evidence. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 131 

The last fifteen days of April was therefore the season 
appropriated to hunting the rattlesnake, and the people 
turned out for this purpose in large parties. 

Notwithstanding the smallness of the bounty, so 
many birds and snakes were killed every year, that it 
became a considerable item in the town expenses. 
The bounty for killing a wolf was IO56, ($1 75.) 
This appears to have been claimed but once after 1700, 
viz. by Samuel Lotrop. 

No better haunts for rattlesnakes could be found 
than among the rocks and glens of Norwich. Imagin- 
ation still associates the idea of these formidable rep- 
tiles with many a dark ravine and sunny ledge. TThere 
are certain rocks and declivities that even yet are known 
by such names as Rattlesnake-den and Rattlesnake- 
ridge. They grew here to the size of a man's wrist, 
and to the length of three and four feet. 

There is a tradition that an adventurous lover, re- 
turning home late one evening from a visit to the lady 
of his heart, was both snapped at by a wolf and hissed 
at by a rattlesnake, just as he passed through a turn- 
stile, near the place now known as Strong's corner. 
There Avas then no road through the wood on the river 
side of tlie square, but only a footpath. The road tliis 
way is still called by aged people of the vicinity " The 
Grove." This young man, whose name was Water- 
man, lived above the meeting-house, and the lady he 
visited, below the Little Plain. To walk two miles at 
that period, through thicket and swamp, to make an 
evening visit, and back again at midnight, was an 
undertaking almost equal in heroism to that of swim- 
ming over the Hcllcsi)ont. 

In the spring of 1721, tlie bounty was claimed for 
killing one hundred and sixty snakes. In the hope of 
eradicating them by an extra effort, in 1730, the bount}"^ 



132 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

was raised for that year to two shillings apiece : three 
hundred were killed in fifteen days, and the law was 
successively renewed for four years. 

In 1735, twenty pounds were paid out of the treasury 
for killing- snakes. The bounty was then reduced to 
four pence. A large number were killed that year 
also, if we may judge from the memorandum of one of 
the selectmen, of those that were exhibited to him : 

" May, 1736 — An account of rattlesnakes tails brought in 
to me, Joseph Perkins. 

Jacob Perkins brought 7 tails. 

Thomas Pettis, " 5 " 

Samuel Lawrence brought 3 rattles. 

Abijah Fitch, " 1 " 

John Bingham, " 3 " 

Robert Kinsman, " 4 " 

Joshua Hutchins, " 23 " 

Ezra Lothrup, " 2 " 

In 1739 the bounty was again raised to ten shillings 
a head for all killed, except in the months of June, 
July and August ; provided that the killer took oath 
that he went out for no other purpose than to destroy 
them. Among those who claimed the bounty, we 
frequently find the names of females. The Widow 
Woodworth was one year paid for twenty-three and 
the widow Smith for nine. At another time the bounty 
was claimed for killing one, by David Hartshorn 4th, 
whom we may suppose to have been a child of very 
tender age. One can almost fancy, that like the infant 
Hercules, he strangled the serpent in his cradle. Simon 
Huntington, a grandson of the first settler of that name, 
while engaged in haying, at the Great Plains, was bit- 
ten by a rattlesnake, and died in consequence. This 
was in July, 1707 ; the young man was twenty-one 
years of age. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 133 

Waweekus Hill was famous for these reptiles. It is 
said that a cunning player on the violin, once went on 
to that hill with his instrument, and enticed a large 
one to follow him into the town street, fascinated by 
his music. 

We find no legislation on the subject of rattlesnakes, 
after the year 1764, at which time the bounty of twenty 
sliillings, old tenor, was commuted into six shillings 
lawful money. It is believed that the last rattlesnake 
of Norwich was destroyed in 1786. His traces had 
been often observed, and his haunt sought, but without 
success. He dwelt under a large rock, and his hole 
had an outlet on both sides, with a branch in another 
direction to which he could retreat, so that it was a 
work of some difficulty to outwit him. But he was at 
last both." scotch'd" and killed. 

The Red Snake, vulgarly c;dled the Rattlesnake's 
mate, also abounded in Norwich, and is still occasion- 
ally found. It is very beautiful in color, being of a 
chocolate or deep purple, mottled with the richest red. 
It draws up, leaps, and bites, in the space of two sec- 
onds, and it is said, will reach the flesh through a thin 
boot. The wound is followed by immediate pain, 
swelling, and great inflammation. Instances have 
occurred in which it has become serious, by neglect, 
improper treatment, and exposure to cold and wet, 
breaking forth afresh every year in the snake season, 
and causing lameness or other infirmities. 

The Black snake is now rare and compaiatively 
harmless ; but stories are current of these reptiles hav- 
ing attacked children in the whortleberry fields, or hay- 
makers in the meadows, and wound themselves about 
the body and throat, so as to produce suffocation. When 
Waweekus Hill was first cleared, the workmen were 
greatly annoyed by them. There is a tradition to the 
12* 



134 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

following effect : — A party of laborers were out on the 
hill at work, and one of them being employed at some 
distance from the other, his companions were suddenly 
alarmed by his cries and shrieks for help. They ran 
to his assistance, and found him rolling on the ground 
with several black snakes on his body. He stated 
after his rescue, that these reptiles came upon him out 
of a thicket, with such fury as to put it out of his power 
to defend himself. They wound about his legs, lashed 
them together, bound up his arms, and were near his 
throat when his friends came to his assistance. No 
attempt will be made to prove the truth of this story, 
but doubtless it is as well founded as that of Laocoon. 
Supposing the man to have been asleep, when the 
reptiles swathed his limbs, it is not impossible. 

One species of black snake, which formerly infested 
this region, was called Ring-snake, or racer ^ and was 
known by a white or yellow ring around the neck. 
They would erect the head seven or eight inches from 
the ground, and in this attitude, with tongue out, and 
eyes glaring, run with the swiftness of a horse. They 
were bold, fierce, and dangerous. It was this species 
which was remarkable for winding- about the limbs. - 



CHAPTER XIV 



Bell. Meeting- House. Kcclesiastical Dissmisions. Councils. Ministers Woodward 
and Lord. Deacons. 

In 1708 the town was presented with a bell by Cap(. 
Rene Grignon, a French Protestant, who had come up 
the river for the purposes of trade, and who resided 
awhile at the landing-place, being accepted as an 
inhabitant in 1710. A vote of (hanks was tendered to 
the generous Captain, and the bell being conveyed to 
the meeting-house plain, was ordered " to he hung in 
the hill between the ends of the town" and to be rung on 
the Sabbath, and on all public days, and at nine 
o'clock every evening. The phrase in the hill is a 
rather doubtful one ; but probably the bell was sus- 
pended from a scaffolding, on the rocks that overlook 
the plain, that it might be heard in all parts of the 
town. Salary of the bellman,' who was also to sweep 
the meeting-house, ^£5, \0s. per annum. 

In 1710 a vote was passed to build a new meeting- 
house, but a long and vehement dispute arose with 
respect to its location. One party was for having it 
stand on the site of the old one upon the hill ; the 
other on the plain. Both sides were exceedingly vio- 
lent and obstinate, and for two or three years the 
whole town was absorbed by the question. At length 
they agreed to submit it to three impartial gentlemen 
of Lebanon. Capt. Wm. Claik,Mr. Wm. Halsey, and 
Mr. Samuel Huntington were designated as umpires. 
These persons came to Norwich, examined the prem- 



136 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ises with care, heard all that either party had to allege, 
and after due deliberation recommended that it should 
be built on the plain. But the town refused to concur, 
and after two or three alternate votes, and much bitter 
contention, decided that they would have it on the hill, 
and the building was there commenced. Nothing 
further respecting it appears upon the records of the 
town or society, but there is reason to infer from other 
testimony that the plan w^as soon abandoned, and the 
house finally built upon the plain. 

John Elderkin, 2nd, was the architect of this church, 
as his father was of the former. After its completion 
he presented his petition, stating that he had suffered 
considerable loss by his agreement, and praying " the 
worthy gentlemen of the town to make some retalia- 
tion." He was accordingly relieved by a grant of 
fifty acres of land. 

The expense of this edifice was mainly defrayed by 
sales of land. A meeting-house committee was in the 
first place appointed, who offered land in lieu of 
money to be advanced for the w^ork. Capt. Grignon, 
among others, advanced small simis at several different 
times, and received in return four portions of land at 
the landing, viz : ten acres on both sides of Stony 
brook ; five and a half acres on Waweekus hill ; a 
quarter of an acre near the water ; and four acres on 
the little plain at the N. W. corner of Waweekus hill. 
Ensign Thomas Waterman, in consideration 
1718. of his labor and cost in providing stones for 
steps at the meeting-house doors, [this edifice 
had an entrance on three sides,] obtained a grant of 
twenty-two acres at the Landing Place. His price for 
said stones was 14s. It wull further sliow tlie value of 
land at this period, to state Mr. Lefiingwell's 
1713. agreement with the Committee. He advanced 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 137 

in money ^£6, 10s., for which he was to have 
<' forty-three acres of rough land on the west side of 
tlie brook that runs into Shetucket river above We- 
quonuk island, at the Rattlesnake's house"; thirty- 
three acres at the north end of Plain hills, value £b ; 
and six and a half acres of roug-Ji land near the Isin- 
glass rock, value £1. 

One of the fixtures of this meeting-house was an 
Hour-Glass, placed in a frame and made fast to the 
pulpit; [cost 2s. 8f/.] This hour-glass, in 1729, was 
placed under the particular charge of Capt. Joseph 
Tracy, who was requested to see that it was duly 
turned when it ran out in service time, and that the 
time was kept between n]eetings ; the bellman being 
charged to attend his orders herein. 

Among those who were active in the business of the 
meeting-house, was Capt. Robeit Denison. Thisgen- 
tleman's farm, which was very large, lay at the N. W. 
corner of Norwich, extending considerably over the 
line. His dwelling-house was at first supposed to lie 
within the bounds of the town, and the freemen chose 
him for their representative to the General Court. 
When the line was more accuratc^ly stated, he was cast 
into New London. This farm now lies partly in Boz- 
rah and partly in Montville. 

The old meeting-house was sold to Nathaniel Rudd, 
for <£12 55. 6f/. ; but tlie purchaser, afterwards repre- 
senting to the town that he was "sick of his bargain," 
relief was granted. 

In the new meeting-house, among the persons seat- 
ed, we find mention made of Mrs. Sarah Knight, who 
has been noticed before. Aug. 12, 1717, the town 
by their vote, gave "liberty to Mrs. Sarah Knight, to 
sit in the pew where she used to sit." 

Ecclesiastical dissensions about this time began to 



138 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

rage in the society. In town meeting, 1714, a vote 
was passed, declaratory of dissent from the new Plat- 
form of Church Discipline, and complaints presented 
against Mr. Woodward's " management in the minis- 
try." Mr. Woodward was one of the delegates that 
assisted in the formation of this Platform at Saybrook, 
in 1708, and secretary to the Synod. Of course, he was 
strenuous for its adoption by the church of which he 
was pastor. But it was then very unpopular in Nor- 
wich ; and a warm contest between him and his flock 
ensued. Tt is said that when he received the act of 
the legislature, accepting and establishing the Plat- 
form as the ecclesiastical constitution of the colony, he 
read off the first clause of it to his congregation, but 
suppressed that part of it which allowed dissenters to 
regulate their worship in their own way. Whereupon 
the representatives of the town, Richard Bushnell and 
Joseph Backus, rose in their seats and laid the whole 
act before the people. A vote of the church was how- 
ever obtained for the adoption of the Platform, upon 
which the two gentlemen mentioned above and many 
others withdrew from the church and held meetings on 
the Sabbath by themselves. They had, moreover, the 
influence and address to obtain the following vote, le- 
galizing their meetings : 

" This town grants liberty to those that are dis- 

Dec. 16, satisfied with the Rev. Mr. Woodward's manage- 

1714. ment in the ministry to call another minister to 

preach to them at their own charge until the dif- 
ficulties they labor under are removed." 

A protest against the vote was signed by eighteen 
persons. The minister and major part of the church 
considered these measures highly reprehensible, and 
made such representations to the Assembly at its next 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 139 

session, that Messrs. Bushnell and Backus were for- 
mally expelled from (hat body. 

A council was soon afterwards called to settle these 
difficulties ; and they had council after council for the 
space of six years. Mr. Sallonstall, then Governor of 
the Colony, visited them and used all his influence to 
bring about a reconciliation of parties and harmony of 
opinion ; but no compromise could be effected. Mr. 
Backus went to Boston, Ipswich and various other pla- 
ces to consult with the learned and pious upon this 
affair. 

In 1715, a town vote was obtained to dismiss Mr. 
Woodward, forty-four to twenty-five ; but the conten- 
tion then grew more violent than ever, and the inhab- 
itants petitioned the General Court that they might be 
separated into two societies. This was not granted, 
but the Governoi wrote them a letter of advice, recom- 
mending them (o try the effect of another council. A 
body of the most respectable ministers in the country 
was accordingly convened : Mr. Stoddard, of North- 
ampton, was appointed moderator. After long delibe- 
ration, the council recommended a dissolution of the 
connection with Mr. Woodward, and he was accord- 
ingly dismissed, Sept. 13, 1716. 

Mr. Woodward was a native of Dedham, Mass. 
After settling in Norwich, he married in 1703, Mrs. 
Sarah Rosewell ; on which occasion "houseing and 
lands" were liberally provided for him by the 
1711. town. He afterwards, requested an increase of 
salary, but it was refused. After his dismission, 
he ceased to preach, and retired to a farm which he own- 
ed in East Haven, where the Woodwards, his descend- 
ants, are still found. Before he left Norwich, however, 
the town sued him for damages on the parsonage lands, 



140 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

and for one quatter of a year's salary which had been 
overpaid him ; a fact sufficiently indicative of the exas- 
perated feeling that had been produced by these eccle- 
siastical dissensions. 

A few weeks after the removal of Mr. Woodward, 
Mr. Benjamin Lord, a native of Saybrook, and a grad- 
uate of Yale college, then about twenty-four 
1716. years of age, began to preach in Norwich. In 
June, the town appointed a day of fasting and 
prayer, to seek divine direction, in respect to giving 
him a call ; the Rev. Messrs. Whiting of Windham, 
and Williams, of Lebanon, being invited to assist in 
the exercises of that occasion. Soon after this, by a 
unanimous vote, Mr. Lord was invited to become their 
minister, with the offer of jElOO per annum for salary, 
with the use of the parsonage lands, and wood suffi- 
cient for his use, to be dropped at his door, — " provided 
he settle himself without charge to the town." 

He was ordained Nov. 20, 1717 ; both parties uni- 
ting in their esteem for him, so that he was accustom- 
ed to say he could never tell which was most friend- 
ly to him. At his ordination, the Church explicitly 
renounced the Saybrook Platform, or code of faith. 

The following members of Mr. Fitch's church were 
still alive : 

William Backus, Joseph Lothrop, 

Stephen Gifford, John Elderkin, 

Th. Leffingwell, Caleb Abell, 

Joseph Bushnell, Joseph Reynolds, 
Richard Bushnell, Esq., Chr. Huntington, 

Josiah Reed, Simon Huntington, 

Solomon Tracy, Samuel Griswold, 

Samuel Lothrop, Nathaniel Backus. 

These, and fifteen others, received into the church 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 141 

by Mr. Woodward, composed at this time the male 
members of the cliurch. 

The two deacons of Mr. fitch's church, chosen be- 
fore they removed from Saybrook, were Tliomas Ad- 
gate and Hugh Calkins. With these was afterwards 
associated Simon Huntington, the elder. Towards 
the close of the century, Simon and Christopher Hun- 
tington, brothers, of the second generation of settlers, 
one boin in 1650, and the other in 1660, were ap- 
pointed to office ; deacons Huntington and Adgate, be- 
ing still alive, though aged and infirm. Soon after the 
ordination of Mr. Lord, the two Huntingtons having 
acted as deacons more than twenty years, two others 
were set apart to assist them, viz : Thomas Adgate 
and Thomas Leffingwell, both of the second genera- 
tion. Mr. Leffingwell dying in 1724, his three vene- 
rable coadjutors requested that an entire new set of 
deacons might be designated to office. This was not 
done until after the death of the two Huntingtons, 
[Christopher in 1735, and Simon in 1736,] when their 
sons, Ebenezer, son to Simon, and Hezekiah, son to 
Christopher, were chosen to succeed them in conjunc- 
tion with Mr. Adgate. 

The venerable deacon Adgate born in the eighth 
year of the settlement, lived to be ninety-two years of 
age. His existence nearly covers the whole space 
from the settlement to the revolution. 

No other deacons were appointed until 1764, when 
Simon Huntington, son of deacon Ebenezer, and Si- 
mon Tracy, Esq., were chosen and introduced into 
office, with great solemnity. Hands were imposed, and 
Dr. Lord preached on the occasion from 2 Tim. iii. 
8,9,10. [Aug. 31.] 
13 



4 



CHAPTER XV 



Chelsea, or the Landing. Bridges over the Shetucket. 

Capts. James and Daniel Fitch appear to have 
been the first persons who began improvements at the 
Landing--ph\ce. The former obtained from the town 
" a privilege four rods in breadth by the salt water," in 
1668, when he was but nineteen years of age. Little 
importance was then attached to this station, the chief 
trading points being at Trading Cove Point, on the 
river below the Landing, where, both before and after 
the settlement, a small trade had been carried on with 
the Indians, and on the Yantic Cove, both at Elder- 
kin's mill, and farther down, just above the present 
Wharf Bridge. These, for a number of years after the 
settlement, were the principal places of landing and 
deposite. They were the old landing places tbat had 
been used by the Indians. 

In 1685, Capt. James Fitch obtained a second grant 
at the Landing of apiece of ground to build upon, and 
the next year an additional spot for the conveniency 
of his ware-house. 

In October, 1694, Mr. Mallat, a French gentleman, 
desired liberty to establish a ship )"ard, and build ves- 
sels upon the liver, which was freely granted, with 
permission also to cut what wood he wanted from the 
Town's Commons east of Shetucket river. There is 
no record of any fiirther improvements at the Landing 
previous to the year 1700. The only road thither, led 




l"^^ 





HISTORY OF NORWICH. 143 

through Mason's Swamp, thence across the Little 
Plain, and over Wawecos Hill, whence it came by a 
long, steep and dangerous descent to the water, with 
a branch leading to the Shetucket, where a ferry had 
been kept up ever since the year 1671, at first by Hugh 
Amos, and afterwards by Stephen Roath. 

The greater part of the tract from the Little Plain to 
the Shetucket was a wilderness of rocks, woods, and 
swamps, with only here and there a cow path, or a 
sheep track around the hills ; where the trunk of a 
fallen tree thrown over a brook or chasm served in 
lieu of bridge. Not only in the spring floods, but in 
common heavy rains, a great part of East Chelsea, the 
Point where the Shetucket comes into the river, and 
all the lower, or Water street, up to the ledge of rocks 
on which the buildings upon the north side of that 
street are based, were overflowed ; and even in the 
dry season these parts of the town were little better 
than swamps. What are now only moist places, and 
slender rills, were then ponds and broad, impetuous 
brooks. The Mill Pond, in the rear of Allen street, 
was a considerable sheet of water, and in the time of 
a freshet, all ihe land below the hills presented the 
appearance of a lake. 

There is a close connection between extensive woods 
and the moisture of the earth, so that ponds and 
streamlets often diminish and disappear as a country is 
cleared of its forests. Trees condense moisture and 
exhale it again, and moreover prevent the profuse 
evaporation of the earth, so that an uncultivated coun- 
try is usually wet and spongy. These facts account 
for ihe shrinking of many of our pools and brooks. 

]714. Caleb Bushnell obtained a grant of "a conve- 
nient place for building vessels," on the west side of 
the river, opposite the old Landing-place. 



144 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

1616. Joseph Kelley, shipwright ol^lained permis- 
sion to build vessels on the Point, the town to have 
the free use of his wharf. 

1722. Other applications of the same nature having 
been made, the proprietors directed Lieut. Solomon 
Tracy and Ensign James Huntington, " to go down to 
the Landing-place and lay out what may be needful 
for the town's use." The next year, Lieut. Simon 
Lathrop, Joshua and James Huntington, and Daniel 
Tracy, all spirited and enterprising men, then in the 
prime of life, each obtained a conveniency, as it was 
expressed, and began improvements at the Landing- 
place. 

Joshua Huntington's grant is thus defined : " twenty 
feet square upon the water, on the west side of Rocky 
Point, on the north side of Lieut. Lothrop's grant, if it 
be there to be had; not prejudicing the conveniency 
to be laid out by James Huntington and Daniel Tracy." 

1725, Permission granted to Lieut. Lothrop to build 
a wharf at his own expense, "provided it be free to all 
mortals." The town also built a wharf the same year. 

This was in fact the era of the commencement of 
Chelsea; but as yet there were no dwelling houses. 
The land, with the exception of these footholds upon 
the water's edge, all lay in common. At that time, 
the young people from the farms around Norwich, 
after haying was over, came in parties to the Landing, 
to wander over the hills, eat oysters, drink flip, and 
have a frolic. The Point was but a confused heap of 
rocks, and might have been bought, it is said, for £b. 
Kelley's shipyard stood near the spot where afterwards 
was the store of old Capt. Bill, Avhich in its turn has 
given place, together with a part of its rocky founda- 
tions to the spacious building of the Norwich and Wor- 
cester Railroad Company. Every thing on this side 



HISTORYOF NORWICH. . 145 

of the river has changed its appearance, but the oppo- 
site bank, in Preston, has been very little altered. 
The rocks, the barren hills, the cedars, remain unvaried ; 
the projecting- points, with their stunted trees, are still 
the same. With the exception of the recent railway 
cut through the hill, the last hundred years has made 
no change in those rock}- declivities around which the 
Shetucket sweeps into the Thames. In 1726 and 1727, 
the East Sheep-walk was surveyed and distributed into 
shares, each share into tenths, and each tenth into 
eight parts. Israel Lothrop and James Huntington 
were the town agents to execute this task. The lots 
varied in shape and size, and extended along the 
water from the Shetucket ferry to the nioutli of the 
cove, reserving a highway through tliem two rods 
wide. A second tier was laid out in the rear of these. 

After this division into small lots both buildings and 
inhabitants increased rapidly. In 1730 the town built 
another wharf; and in 1734 Lieut. Lothrop obtained 
leave to build a second ware-house on the undivided 
land upon " the side hill, opposite his dwelling- 
house, thirty feet by twenty, and to hold it during the 
town's pleasure." Daniel Tracy, Capt. Benajah 
Bushnell, Nathaniel Backus, and others, about this 
period built dwelling-houses near the water. A flour- 
ishing village was soon formed, and called JVeio Chclsy. 

A very sad accident happened in the year 1728. 
The inhabitants were engaged in raising a cart bridge, 
twenty feet high and two hundred and fifty feet long, 
'^ over Showtucket river, near three miles from town," 
and had nearly completed the frame, when, on the 
28th of June, just as they were putting together the 
upper work, a principal piece of timber which lay in 
the foundation of this upper work, being spliced, gave 
way at the joint, and falling, tripped up the dependent 
13* 



146 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

frame, which with its own weight careened and over- 
set. One hundred feet of the bridge fell, with forty- 
men on it. The water was very low, and the people 
were precipitated upon the rocks in all directions. No 
one escaped without bruises and contusions ; twenty 
were severely wounded and two killed. These two 
were Jonathan Gale, of Canterbury, nineteen years of 
age, the only son of a widowed mother, who w^as killed 
instantly — "a very hopeful youth, the darling of the 
family" — and Mr. Daniel Tracy, son of Lieut. Thomas 
Tracy, and one of the last survivors of the old stock 
that came from Saybrook, who died the next day of 
his mortal wounds. Mr. Justice Backus published an 
account of this accident in a small pamphlet. " When 
the men were extricated, and carried up the banks," 
says he, " it formed the nearest resemblance to a field 
where a hot battle had been fought, that mine eyes 
ever saw." 

Mr. Tracy " was not," says Mr. Backus, " a person 
concerned in the affair, only as he was a benefactor to 
it, and went out that day to carry the people some pro- 
vision, and happened to be on the bridge, at that junc- 
ture of danger : a man that had been always noted for 
an uncommon care to keep himself and others out of 
probaljle danger, and yet now liimself insensibly falls 
into a fatal one. And very remarkable is it, that to 
keep his son at home this day, and so out of danger by 
that occasion, he chooseth to go himself on the fore- 
named errand, and is taken in the snare which he 
thought more proljable to his son." 

Many hair-breadth escapes occurred. Solomon 
Lathrop fell forty feet from the top of a needle post, 
and was pitched head foremost between two rocks, into 
a hole of deeper water than ordinary, and yet not 
killed. This Mr. Lathrop was father to the Rev. Jo- 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 147 

seph Lathrop of West Springfield, who was born about 
three years after this narrow escape of his parent. 

1737. A bridge was erected over the Shedicket con- 
necting the Landing with Preston. To defray tlie 
expense, a pubHc subscription was taken up which 
amounted to ,£85 15s. The number of contributors 
was eighty-three, and the sums varied from five shil- 
lings to five pounds. The highest on the Hst were 
Joshua Huntington, John Williams, Samuel and John 
Story, Isaac -Clarke and Samuel Backus, who were 
probably the men doing the most business at that time. 
The bridge lasted only seven years ; it then sagged so 
much that it was pronounced unsafe, and blocked up. 

The contract for the building of the Shetucket Bridge 
was made with Capt. William W^hiting, whose name 
first appears on the list of inhabitants in 1732. He 
was the second son of Col. William Whiting, a man 
of courage, talents and address, who is often named 
in the early history of the country, for the part he took 
in various engagements with the French and Indians, 
in Maine and Canada. He was also Colonial Agent 
at the couitof St. James, and on leaving England was 
constituted by royal commission Colonel of a regiment 
of foot, to be raised in Conneclicut for the Queen's ser- 
vice. The original of this commission, upon parch- 
ment, dated April 1, 1710, and signed Sunderland., is 
still in possession of the famil)^ 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Rogeienes. 



About the year 1720, the followers of John Rogers, 
a kind of Quaker, beg'an to raise disturbances in New 
London County. This sect sprung up in the vicinity 
of New London, and has since been known as Roger- 
enes. The special object of their leader's mission, was 
to destroy priestcraft, and the idolatry of Sunday. 
They saw no more feasible project of effecting this, 
than by breaking up the worshipping assemblies of the 
Sabbath. For this purpose they were accustomed, on 
that day, to separate into small bands, and go through 
the country, entering the meeting-houses, in time of 
divine service, and by various noises and other provo- 
cations, interrupting the worship. They would carry 
their knitting, sewing, hatchelling, joinering, &c. into 
the house, and by hammering, singing and shouting, 
endeavor to drown the voice of the speaker. They 
made several visits to Dr. Lord's meeting-house, but 
that excellent man always treated them with great 
lenity. John Rogers himself, the founder of the sect, 
beset Dr. Lord, one Sunday morning, as he came out 
of the house, to go to meeting, and followed him 
thither, inveighing and shouting against priestcraft, as 
was his usual custom. Just as the venerable minister 
reached the porch of the meeting-house, and taking 
off his hat displayed an august and graceful white wig, 
Rogers exclaimed in a loud voice, Benjamin ! Benja- 
min ! dost thou think that they wear white wigs in 



HISTORY OP NORWICH. 149 

heaven 1 No answer was returned, but, the good man 
might liave retorted, that a white wig woukl gain 
entrance there much more readily than a railing 
tongue. 

In July, 1726, six of the followers of Rogers were 
taken up at Norwich, for travelling on the Sabbath, and 
committed to prison. They were tried the next day. 
One of them was a woman, Sarah Culver by name, 
called by them a singing sister. They stated that they 
were on their way from Groton to Lebanon, to baptize 
a person, or see him baptized b}^ others, as circumstan- 
ces should be. One of their party, named Davis, they 
declared vested with apostolic commission and author- 
ity to preach and baptize. Some of this sect, had 
previously been taken up in other parts of the county, 
and fined five shillings per head for breaking the Sab- 
bath, and they now travelled in defiance of the law 
and its penalty, boasting that they could buy the idol- 
ators' Sabbaths for five shillings a piece. But on arii- 
ving at Norwich, the)^ found, as Mr. Justice Backus 
observed, that they had j-isen in price, for being taken 
before the said Justice, they Avere sentenced to pay a 
fine of twenty shillings per head, or to be whipped ten 
or fifteen lashes each. Not being able to pay the fine, 
they were obliged to submit to the latter punishment. 
The next day they were carried out upon the plain, 
and there whipped with lashes oi prim. It is said, also, 
that one of them, probably Davis, had warm tar poured 
upon his head, and his hat put on, while in that state, 
as a punishment for his contumacy, in refusing to pull 
olf his hat in court. They were then dismissed, and 
proceeded on their way to Lebanon, where, the next 
Sabbath, they were again arrested, on the same plea, 
but their fines were paid for them by some compassion- 
ate citizens. They then challenged the ministers of 



150 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Lebanon, Messrs. Piatt and Williams, to a public de- 
bate, at which, says Mr. Backus, they were completely 
foiled. 

The Hon. Joseph Jenks, deputy governor of Rhode 
Island, took the part of the despised Rogerenes, and 
issued a proclamation, respecting the proceedings at 
Norwich, which he caused to be posted up in various 
parts of his own state, in order, as it stated, that the 
people might see what was to be expected from a Pres- 
byterian government, in case Connecticut should suc- 
ceed in the efforts she Avas then making, to get the 
rule over the Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 
In reply to this proclamation, a small pamphlet was 
published by Joseph Backus Esq. (who appears to 
have succeeded Mr. Bushnell as the factotum of the 
town,) explanatory of this affair of ihe Quakers. He 
considers their conduct as sufficiently odious, to justify 
the severest castigation of the law, and declares, that 
as they acted in defiance of the law, " they may be 
said to have whipped their own backs." 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Currency. 



It has been observed that Mr. Lord's salary was 
fixed at .£100 per annum. In 1726, a present was 
made him of j625, and the next year twelve contribu- 
tions were granted him, to be taken up on the first 
Sabbath of every month. These gratuities were to 
compensate for the depreciation of the currency. 

Bills of Credit began to be emitted in Connecticut in 
1709, and the emissions Avere repeated in small parcels 
at intervals, afterwards. For many years, however, 
there was little or no redundancy of the circulating 
medium, and of course the depreciation was trifling. 
The bills were not counterfeited until 1735 ; but at that 
time, so large a quantity of the false impression was put 
in circulation, that the Assembly ordered the issue of 
bills with an entire new stamp, to the value of ^£25,000, 
to be exchanged for the old ones then in use. These 
and subsequent emissions were called Bills of the New 
Tenor. In 1740, on account of the war with Spain, 
^45,000 more were emitted, and some smaller sums 
afterwards. 

Until the emission of the New Tenor, the credit of 
the old bills was tolerably supported. The deprecia- 
tion now ran on with rapid strides, and confusion in 
accounts, perplexity and want of confidence in the 
dealings of man with man, suspension of activity and 
pecuniary distress was the consequence. The clash- 



152 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ing of old and new tenor rendered the currency mazy 
and uncertain. Prices were greatly enhanced, but 
fluctuating ; impositions frequent, and speculation tri- 
umphed over honest industry. It was a difficult thing 
to graduate price to value, with a currency so vague 
and fluctuating. 

In 1736, the town expenses were .£84, of which one 
item was a pharge of Dr. Perkins — 

For keeping and salivating Christian Boyle and 

expenses to Hannah Rood £24 Is Od- 

Yet the next year, the whole amount of the town ex- 
penditure, including the doctor's bill, did not amount 
to £U. 

In 1740, wheat was 135. per bushel ; rye, 9 and 10s.; 
Indian corn, 7s. ; oats and turnips, 35. 6 ; pork, 8d. or 
10^. per lb. ; butter, from 18c?. to 2s. ; sugar, the same ; 
molasses, 7 and 8s. per gall. ; rum, 10s. 6 ; men's shoes, 
from 15 to 18s. per pair ; candles, 2s. 6 per lb. ; a 
bushel of salt, 14s.; a quire of paper, 5s. 6 or 6s.; a 
quart of mustard seed 2s. 6 ; sheep's wool and cotton 
wool, about the same price, viz. 4s. per lb. 

This uncertain curreney was by no means confined 
to Connecticut. The other New England Colonies 
suffered in the same way. In Boston, they had little 
else in circulation than " Land Bank Money" and old 
Tenor. The following memorandum from the day- 
book of a Boston huckster of the same date as the above, 
will show that prices were very much enhanced in that 
capital also : 

Molasses, 8s. 6 per gall. ; " a bushel of Ingin meel," 
IBs. ; a beaver hat, ,£3 15s.; side of sole leather, .£1 
19s. 6 ; " half a pees of Rusha Duck," £8; a sheep- 
skin, 10s. ; a bushel of onions, 18s. ; a pair of buckles, 
<£4 10s. ; a pair of yarn stockings, 12s. ; " 13i yards 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 153 

of Osimbrogs," £3 lis. 6; a grate of Diamond glass, 

Let it be observed, that at this time, the depreciation 
had but just commenced. In 1741, the rate levied for 
the payment of Mr. Lord's salary had risen from 2(/. and 
M. on the pound to 10c?., and jf200 was allowed him 
in addition to his nominal salary. 

In 1751, the current expenses of the town was ^£751. 
The currency continued its downward course until 
1753, when Mr. Lord received ^£850 as an equivalent 
for jElOO, lawful money. The bellman's salary was 
£40 per annum. Schooling per month from ^£15 to 
£22. 

In 1757, the currency was flowing once more in 
its old channel. Mr. Lord's salary was reduced to 
£66 13s. 4d. lawful money, and twelve contributions ; 
the bellman's to £3 10s. 



14 



J 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Sheep Walks. Names. 



In 1718, there was a division of proprietary lands, 
called the forty acre division. In 1726, the undivid- 
ed lands that remained, were mainly comprised in 
two Sheep-walks. A public meeting was called, in 
which the names of the proprietors of each, were dis- 
tinctly declared and recorded in order to prevent, if 
possible, all future " strifts and law-suits," The East 
Sheep-walk of 900 acres, more or less, was divided in- 
to shares of twenty acres each, and ralified and con- 
firmed to forty-two proprietors, mentioned by name, 
or to those who claimed under them. The West 
Sheep-walk, by estimation 700 acres, was in like man- 
ner divided and confirmed to thirty-seven proprietors. 
Each share was then divided into tenths, and the 
tenths into eighths, and distributed apparently by lot. 
It is expressed in tire records by the phrase, " making 
a pitch," as thus — " Capt. Bushnell made his pitch for 
his portion of the sheep-walk," at such a place. The 
last general division of proprietary lands, was in 1740, 
after which the accounts were closed, and the compa- 
ny dissolved. 

The three plains were from the first settlement, re- 
served for public use. As early as 1670, the Little 
Plain was enclosed, and a fine of 5s. imposed on any 
one who should with horse or cattle, pass over the 
fence in going to, or from the town. It is pleasing to 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 155 

notice the care taken from time to time, to free the 
phtins from all obstructions, and render hem orna- 
mental as well as useful to the town. Repeated ap- 
plications to build upon them by individuals, were re- 
fused, and all encroachments rt prehended. " There 
shall be no shop, house or barn, or any other private 
building erected on any part of said plain," was the 
languag-e of these resolutions. 

The proprietors agree, vote, and grant, " that 
1729. the Plain in the Town Piatt, called the meeting 
house plain, with all the contents of it, as it 
now lyeth, i-luiH be and remain, to be, and lye com- 
mon for public use for the whole town forever, without 
alteration." 

A similar vote was passed at the same time with 
respect to " the Plain at the westerly end of the Town 
Piatt, lying between Richard Egerton's and John 
Waterman's, Abial Marshall's and the widow Hide's 
houses." 

Many of the local names by which the Indians and 
early settlers distinguished various parts of the nine 
miles square have become ol^solete. The following 
list, taken from the descriptions of land in old deeds 
and grants, some of which have quite gone by, and 
others are but partially ;ind locally known, are offered 
for the curious to idc-ntify and locate. 

1661. Little Fort, — this was between the Landing and 
trading Cove. 
Woquanuk Little River. 
Sunamansuck, — W^esquacksaug river. 

Middle Hill, — Pauquoh-hog brook. 
1679. Puppie Hill, — on the road to Peagscomtok. 

The Major's Pond, — over the river, on land granted 
by the town to Capt. John Mason. 
Stonie Brooke. 
The Kimicall Spring- 



156 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Little Lebanon, at the end of Yantick. 

Little Lebanon Hill and Valley. 
' Scotch Cap Hill. 
1700. White Hills on Showtucket. 

Butternut Brook, — Great Cranberry Pond. 

Cheeapschaddok, — near Robert Roath's and Owen Will- 
iam's. 

Dragon's Hole, — Kewoutaquck river, east of Shetucket. 

Huckleberry Plains. 

The Great Darke Swampe. 

The Goat's Hill. 

The Rocky Hill, — called Wenaniasoug. 

Bundy Hill, — Newent. 

Little Faith Plain, — south of Wawecos Hill. 

Connecticut Plains, — first, second and third Plains towards 
Connecticut. 

Wequonuk, — Pequonuk. 
1662. Pabaquamsquee, — ^on Quinnebaug, 

Peagskumsuk, — a tract in a turn of the Quinnebaug. 
Pottapauge. 
1690. Nipsquanoug, — Nipsconoag. 
Wolf-pit Hill. 

Clay Banks of the Great River. 

Skunkhungannok Hill, — in the Quinnibaug lands. 

Conaytuck Brook, 

Wheel-timber Hill, at Plain Hills. 

Great Beaver Brook and Little Beaver Brook. 

Harthstone Hill. 

Great Ox Pasture. 

Rowland's Brook, — near Peagscomsuk. 

Pine Swamp, — at Yantick. 

Isinglass Rock. Anchamaunnackkaunock Pond, east of 
Shetucket. 

Saw-pit Hills. 

Sukskotumskot or Saw-mill Brook, — Great Hill east side 
of it. 

Stonie Hollow, — in East Sheep-walk. 

Ayers Mountain. 

Wanungatuck, — towards Canterbury. 

New Roxbury, — on Quinnibaug. 

Momogegwetuk Brook, — falling into Peagscomtok. 

In connection with the subject of names, some of 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 



157 



those borne by the worthy ancestors of the town may 
be mentioned. 



Jepthah Elderkin. 
Cordile Fitch. 
Merit Rockwell. 
Friend Weeks. 
Aquilla GifFords. 
Shadrach Lampheer. 



Zorobabel VVightman. 
Retrieve Moore. 
Rezen Geer. 
Hopestill Armstrong. 
Yet-once Barstow. 



FEMALES. 



Experience Porter. 
Submit Peck. 
Thankful Willoughby. 
Zipporah Haskill. 
Theodia Wall bridge. 
Leah Armstrong. 
Zinah Hide. 
Ruby Tracy. 
Zillah Grist. 
Millescent Scott. 
Remembrance Carrier. 
Deliverance Squire. 



Charity Perkins. 
Obedience Copp. 
Temperance Edgerton. 
Patience Larrabee. 
Love Kingsbury. 
Civil Tracy. 
Silence Leffingwell. 
Hepzibah Ladd. 
Diadema Hide. 
Mercy Polley. 
Tirzah Morgan. 



In a family of five sons and one daughter, the fol- 
lowing were the names, Absalom, Zebulon, Obadiah, 
Ichabod, Elam and Tabitha. 

Ill another, with four daughters and two sons, are 
these ; Lebbcus, Ozias, Love, Batthiah, Beulah, and 
Miriam. Another family consists of Barnabas, Enoch, 
Elkanah and Dorcas. Another of only Aaron and 
Zipporah. The daughters of Mr. Samuel Bliss 2nd, 
were Desire, Thankful, Freelove and Mindwell. 
14* 



CHAPTER XIX. 



Mason Controversy. 



The history of the Mohegan Indians is so closely 1; 
connected with that of Norwich, that it is necessary { 
frequently to revert to them. It seems to have been I 
generally conceded by the English, that the ulterior 
right to dispose of land in this region, belonged to 
Uncas. The Governor and Company, however, i 
claimed that he transferred this right to them by a deed ? 
of September 28, 1640. This deed, the Indians said, 
was never executed by Uncas, or if executed it was a - 
mere form, intended to deceive the Dutch, who were | 
then endeavoring to get a footing in these parts. In- : 
deed, the transactions and declarations of the Colony { 
long after this period, prove incontestobly, that they ! 
considered the property, as distinguished from the juris- 
diction, still to continue in the Mohegans. August 15, 
1659, the year before the settlement of Norwich, as has 
already been stated, Capt. Mason o1)tained of Uncas 
and his brother, a general deed of all the lands be- 
longing to them, not then actually occupied by the 
tribe. In this business, it was generall}' understood 
that he acted as the agent of the colony, and it was 
proved by the State Records, that he formally smren- 
dered his claim to the Gen. Court, March 14, 1660 ; 
they granting him, in compensation for his services, a 
farm of five hundred acres. This farm he chose at a 
place called Pomacook, and it was confirmed to him 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 159 

as his personal property, by the Indian Sachem, abont 
two months afterwards. 

The descendants of Mason claimed, not this farm at 
Pomacook only, but tlie whole tract, conveyed in the 
deed of 1659, alleging that it had never l)6en alienated 
by liim. The records of the colony contain a minute 
of tiie surrender, as having" been performed in open 
court, but nevertheless, as no specific instrument to 
tliat eflect could be found, under the signature of their 
ancestor, they either questioned the intent of the trans- 
action, or denied its authority. They asserted that the 
conveyance made to Mason, by Uncas, was with the 
intent to secure those lands to the Indians, by putting 
it out of their own power to convey them to others, 
that Mason received them as their trustee, and had 
passed over to the colony merely the right of jurisdic- 
tion, not the ownership of the lands. 

Oweneco confirmed the grant of his father and uncle 
to the two sons of Mason — Samuel and Daniel, Feb. 
12, 1683-4, fearing, as he said, that he might be en- 
snared by strong drink, and in tliat state be induced to 
dispose of his lands injudiciously. From this time the 
Masons acted as trustees to the Indian Sachem, in 
conjunction with Capt. James Fitch, whom Oweneco 
had empowered to act for him, in 1680. The govern- 
ment allowed of tliis guardianship, if they did not in 
the first place originate and recommend the measure* 
The main ol)ject of all the parties appears to have been 
to benefit the Indians, by taking care of their interests. 
An act of 1692 thus confirms the right of the Masons 
to be considered as the trustee of the tribe. 

" The General Court, on the request of Oweneco, son 
of Uncas, approve of his giving his land to Josiah, 
since deceased, and also approve of his now giving 
them to Mowhamet, son of Oweneco, he being the 



160 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

rightful Sachem of Mowheag after Oweneco ; but these 
lands are not to pass to any other person, without the 
consent of Capt. Samuel Mason." 

The business, however, did not long run on in this 
smooth and harmonious manner. Out of these piem- 
ises a long and troublesome dispute arose ; the case 
every year becoming more complicated and important. 
The Masons and Mohegans became closely linked in 
a claim against the colony for the possession of large 
tracts of land, occupied by numerous settlers, and 
comprising the major portion of Colchester, Windham, 
Mansfield, Hebron, and considerable tracts in some 
other towns. A vigorous and persevering effort, ex- 
tending over a period of seventy years, was made by 
Mason and his descendants to recover the possession of 
this territory for the Indians. 

The citizens of Norwich entered into this contro- 
versy with great warmth and zeal, most of them es- 
pousing the cause of the Indians, from an honest 
opinion that they had been injured and defrauded, and 
a benevolent desire to have some restitution made. 
The case was often tried without being brought to an 
issue. Many persons put themselves to great mcon- 
venience and expense in entertaining and clothing the 
Indians, and forwarding their cause, expecting to be 
remunerated when they should recover their rights. 
On the Indians themselves it had a very unhappy 
effect, pufhng them up with hopes never to be realized, 
and leading them into courses of idleness, itineracy 
and extravagance. Norwich suffered severely for her 
indiscretion, her streets and houses being often filled 
with these exacting and troublesome guests. 

The case was first submitted to Commissioners cho- 
sen out of all the New England Colonies, and acting 
under the immediate authority of Queen Anne. This 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 161 

court was held at Stonington, in 1705. Thomas Lc-f- 
fingwcll, of Norwich, a tried friend of (he Indian Sa- 
chems, was one of the Connnissioners, and from his 
intimate acquaintance wilh the case, and witli all tlie 
affairs of the tribe, had great inlluence with the other 
members. Tlie colony protested against the authority 
of this Court, and, refusing to appear before it, no de- 
fence was made. The decision, as might be expected, 
was against her, but no attempt was made by the Eng- 
lish Government to enforce the decree. 

A subsequent investigation of this case, under the 
authority of the General Court, was made at Norwich, 
in the winter of 1717-18, and was pending at the time 
of the great snow storm, famous over all New England, 
February 17. The proceedings of the Commissioners, 
who met in the house of Richard Bushnell, Esq., were 
much impeded by the snow. For several days the 
members were scarcely able to get together. 

The next October a further Committee was ap- 
pointed by the Assembly, and directed to repair to 
Mohegan, to hear the grievances of the Indians, and 
to endeavor to settle all differences between them and 
their neighbors. This Committee, consisting of James 
Wadsworth, Esq. and Capt. John Hall, met at the 
house of Mr. Joseph Bradford, in Mohegan, February, 
1720-21, and were apparently very successful in set- 
tling the \'arious claims, and reconciling all parties. 
In conclusion they laid out and sequestered to the use 
of the Indians between 4 and 5000 acres of good land, 
which was never to be alienated until the tribe became 
extinct. These proceedings were ratified by act of 
Assembly, May 11, 1721. 

Nevertheless, the old controversy soon revived, and 
a Commission of Review was appointed by George II. 
to examine the proceedings of the Court held at Ston- 



162 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ington, in 1705. This Conit, consisting of the Lieut. 
Governor and Council of New York, and the Governor 
and Assistants of Rhode IsLind, convened at Norwich, 
May 24, 1738. The Commissioners not agreeing as 
to the course to be pursued, the members from New 
York, at tlie outset, entered a protest and withdrew. 
The remainder, after an examination of witnesses, re- 
versed the decision of the Court, and gave judgment 
in favor of the Colony. 

John and Samuel Mason, however, would not suffer 
the matter to rest here ; they presented a memorial to 
the King, alleging that the proceedings of the Court 
were irregular, and in behalf of the Indians, praying 
for a redress of grievances. Oiders were therefore is- 
sued for a new Commission of Review. 

This second Court of Commissioners convened at 
Norwich, June 28, 1743, and the trial lasted seven 
weeks. The sessions commenced at the house of Si- 
mon Lathrop, Esq., but on the third day, was adjourn- 
ed to the meeting-house, where the remainder of the 
sitting was held. Of course, this Coiut did not, as that 
at Slonington had done, continue its sessions on the 
Sabbath. The town at this time literally overflowed 
with strangers, and no business of any kind was done, 
except what was connected with the pending contro- 
versy, and the necessary purposes of life. All the of- 
ficers of government and distinguished men in the col- 
ony were present ; the whole tribe of Mohegans was 
quartered upon the inliabitants, and hundreds of per- 
sons in tiie neighboring towns who had lands at stake, 
came in from day to day, to hear the proceedings. 
The Lathrops, Huntingtons, Lefliingwells, Tracys and 
all the principal men in Norwich were of the Indian 
party, and kept open house for John Uncas and his 
people. Ben Uncas was upheld by the state, and his 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. l63 

party was rendered respectable by the notice of all the 
officers of govern mnt. The rival sachems maintain- 
ed considerable pomp and state while the trial contin- 
ued, which was until the 17th of August. 

The decision was again in favor of the colony ; but 
the Masons appealed from the judgment to the King in 
council, and henceforth all legal action upon the case, 
was transferred to England. The final decision was 
not until 1767. Sir Fletcher Norton, then prime min- 
ister, advised that the English should be conciliated 
by a decision against the Indians. 

It was the prevalent opinion in England, that the 
Mohegans had right on their side, but that it was not 
expedient to do them justice, and indeed not equitable, 
as the English had long possessed and improved the 
lands in question, and the Indians had dwindled away 
and did not need them. One of the Masons, however, 
remained long in England, prosecuting his claim : ob- 
tained money upon it, sold out rights in it, ran in 
debt upon it, was at one time a prisoner in the Fleet, 
and never returned to his native country. The Revo- 
lutionary war, soon afterwards broke out, the Mohe- 
gans found themselves at the mercy of the State, and 
never afterwards showed any disposition to renew their 
claims. Occom, the eloquent advocate and preacher 
of this tribe, on hearing of the termination of this af- 
fair, writes thus to a friend : " The grand controversy 
which has subsisted between the colony of Conn, and 
the Mohegan Indians, above seventy years, is finally 
decided in favor of the colony. I am afraid the poor 
Indians will never stand a good chance with the Eng- 
lish in their land controversies, because they are very 
poor, they have no money. Money is almighty now- 
a-days, and the Indians have no learning, no wit, no 



164 HISTORY OP NORWICH. 

cunning: the English have all." [MS. Letter of Oc- 
cora.] 

In this controversy, our sympathies are very natu- 
rally enlisted in favor of the Indians; nevertheless, it 
does not appear that they were treated with any un- 
due severity or injustice by the colony. Most of the 
settlers on the debatable lands, fairly purchased them, 
and had obtained deeds, though not, perhaps, always 
of the lawful owners. And there is reason to believe 
that the Indians themselves would not have complain- 
ed had they not been instigated by others. This case 
may fairly be merged in the great question still pend- 
ing and unsettled, whether a civilized race has a right, 
under any circumstances, to take possession of a coun- 
try inhabited by savages, and gradually dispossess the 
original proprietors. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Indian Deeds. Sachems. 



It- is a singular fact, that while the Indian Sachems 
were conveying away such large tracts of land, that 
they and their subjects should be in want of room for 
their own accommodation. So early as 1669, Oweneco 
requested of the town of Norwich " a yerll of land 
lying near Showtuckct river;" and the town accord- 
ingly granted him out of their Commons, three hundred 
acres on Shetuckct. river, abutting southerly on Quin- 
ebaug, and secured it to his successors, not allowing 
them the privilege of alienating it. At the same time 
they bound the Indians to forbear all trespass upon the 
lands or cattle of the town, upon penalty of forfeiting 
the grant. The act concludes in this manner. 

" It is further engaged by Oweneco, that whereas as he 
hath received these lands by gift from the toM-n of Norwich, 
the town does order that he shall forbear on the Sabbath 
day from working, hunting, fishbig, or any servile labor, and 
if any of his subjects bo found guilty of this violation, they 
shall be liable to be punished, and to these said, and above 
specified particulars, the said Oweneco doth bind and engage 
himself, his heirs and lawful successors." 

The reason assigned for this grant was, " that he was 
in hazard of the loss of his Sachemdom, for want of 
lands to accommodate his subjects." A number of 
Indians then resided upon this grant, and others remo- 
ved to it, and were called the Showtuckct, or Shotuck 
15 



166 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Indians. In 1695, we find Capt. Samuel Mason, the 
Indian trustee, calling upon the town to fix the bounds 
of this grant upon which the English were fast intru- 
ding. 

The aged Uncas was also in his last days a petitioner 
to the town for land ; yet at the same time these Sa- 
chems were in the habit of assigning over to others, 
tracts large enough for townships. In 1687, Oweneco 
conveyed to James Fitch jun., a tract by estimation 
six or seven miles in length, and one in breadth, lying 
west of Quinebaug river, and extending " to the new 
plantation given by Joshua;" — another portion west 
of the same river, beginning north of the Norwich line 
and running up the river to the clay pits, a mile and 
a half in breadth ; — two other parcels east and north 
of the town line, and a large meadow east of the Quin- 
ebaug, extending from the town line to Peagscomscot, 
[now Canterbury.] For these grants the Sachem ac- 
knowledges the receipt of j660. Major Fitch became 
ultimately one of the greatest land owners in the state. 
The above lands comprise but a very small portion 
of the various tracts recorded to him in the Norwich 
books. 

A part of the above described grants lay in the 
crotch of the Shetucket and Quinebaug rivers ; and 
here also was the three hundred acre grant, secured by 
the town to the Indians. The title to this tract after- 
wards caused much perplexity and some litigation. In 
1696, Capt. Fitch being then the proprietary clerk, 
recorded nearly the whole tract to himself; but as his 
claim covered the Indian reservation, the town entered 
a formal protest against the record, objecting especially 
to his claim at the Quinebaug falls. 

In 1723, the Indian title to the reserved lands in the 
crotch of the rivers, was considered entirely extinct; 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 167 

the Slietucket indians having dwindled away or remo- 
ved elsewhere. Joseph and Jacob Perkins, Samuel 
Bishop, and others, cLaimed it as purchasers and im- 
provers, and the town confirmed their title. This 
tract now forms the greater part of tlie town of Lisbon. 

More than thirty deeds are recorded in tlie Norwich 
books, hearing the signatures of Uncas, Oweneco, or 
Joshua, conveying to various individuals tracts of land, 
most of them comprising hundreds of acres. The con- 
dition expressed is frequently of this nature : " To my 
very good friend John Post, for the love and friendship 
received from him," 200 acres, in 1685: to Israel Lo- 
throp "for kindnesses received and three coats in hand 
paid," 150 acres in 1695 : " to Richard Bushnell, for 
kind and free entertainment for many years," 400 
acres, in 1699. A large number of deeds of similar 
import may be found recorded in New London and 
other neighboring (owns. 

Waweequaw, the brother of Uncas, claimed consid- 
erable tracts in and around Norwich. Two hills in the 
town have borne his name : one of considerable extent 
in the Northwest part, and the other in Chelsea, around 
the base of which the city lies. The name is now 
usually spelt Waweekus. Uncas, (as well as the 
English,) was much troubled, at various times, with 
the intrigues of Waweequaw, wlio is represented as 
being mischievous and quarrelsome. 

Joshua, the brother of Oweneco, in 1676, conveyed 
to Capt. John Mason, a tract claimed by him, N. W. 
of Norwich, and now forming a part of the town of 
Lebanon. In 1716, Cesar, who is styled "the prince 
and Sacliem of Mohegan," made several conveyances 
of land fo individuals. One was to Capl. Robert Den- 
ison ; another to Lieut. Benajah Bushnell, of two par- 



168 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

eels, lying between Trading Cove brook, and the south 
line of Norwich. 

These are but a few specimens, out of a great num- 
ber that might be mentioned, of Indian grants in this 
vicinity. Some of them covered others, three or four 
times over, and led to those many disputes as to titles, 
and perplexities as to bounds, which entangled the 
rights and claims of the settlers in an inextricable maze. 
One is almost inclined to join in the declaration of Sir 
Edmund Andros, that he did not value an Indian deed, 
any more than the sci^atch of a cafs paw. 

The following record shows that an amicable settle- 
ment of all ditierences with respect to land claims and 
boundaries, took place between the town and the aged 
chieftain of the Mohegans. It is the last notice that 
has been any where found of Uncas. 

" Whereas Uncas, Sachem of Mohegan, hath of late made 
application to the Town of Norwich for some Releife with 
Reference to a small Tract of Land which fell out to be 
within the bounds of the Town, on the south Bounds, over 
the Traiding Cove Brook. This Town, Considering of his 
Request and of him as an Old Friend, see Cause to Gratify 
him with the said Land as a Gift to him & his heirs forever, 
and Whereas the s'' Uncas doth also Recon upon three 
pounds yet due to him as arrears of the payment of the pur- 
chas of Norwich Township, though there is nothing appear- 
ing how the said money is due, neither by written nor any 
other Evidenee — Yet notwithstanding the Town have 
Granted his desire as not willing to dissatiefie an Old 
Friend in such a small matter, and the said Uncas Also 
Declaring himself to be in some fears Respecting his Poster- 
ity, whether they may not be infringed of their Liberty of 
Fishing and making use of the Rivers and other Royalties by 
some English : that being the Reason why he Gave place at 
the first that we should run the Line of the Two miles on the 
East side of the Great River, Beginning; at the River : We 
also satisfie him in this writing about it, that he and his suc- 
cessors shall from Time to Time, and at all times have full 
and free Liberty to make use of the Rivers and ponds, with 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 169 

other Royalties as abovesaid, not debaring Ourselves, and 
having thus done, we whose names are subscribed being ap- 
pointed by the town of Norwich to treat with him the said 
Uncas upon the premises, or any thing Elce that might Con- 
duce to mutual satisfaction, we asked him whether now he 
was fully satisfied as to the former, so (Concerning any thing 
Elce depending between him and us, and he hath declared 
himself: as witness by his hand that he is fully satisfied 
with us as concerning the premises, so Respecting all our 
Bounds and boundaries, and particularly Concerning the 
Running of the Line on the East side of the River, and Con- 
cerning the beginning of the said Line at the River, and the 
end of said Line to a Tree marked near the Dwellinghouse 
of Robert Allen : Dated in Norwich, September P' , 1682: 

the mark Cl^ of UNCAS. 

Thomas Leffingwell. l ^^^^^^^^^^ j^ j-^^ tj^^ 

William rJackus. i r r ist n^tr. 

T , T3- 1 1 f second lolio 1*', Ucto- 

John Birchard. j , ,^,,,, ^rcn 

John Tracy. J ^^^ ^^ "' '^^^^ 

By me, Christopher Huntington, Recorder. 

Uncas is supposed to have died in 1683. Oweneco 
lived till 1710. Notwithstanding the title of Sachem 
and tlie lordly idea attached to the disposing of such 
extensive regions as they were accustomed to convey 
to their friends, these chieftains were but little eleva- 
ted, either in their habitsor morals, above the common 
level of savages. Oweneco was in his youth a bold 
warrior, and an cnterprizing partizan. His exploits 
at tlie Narragansett Fort fight, and through the whole 
of Philip's war, obtained for him considerable renown. 

But in maturer years, destitute of the stimulus of war, 
and the chase, he used to wander about with his blan- 
ket, metomp and sandals, his gun and his'squaw, to beg 
in the neighboring towns, quartering himself in the 
kitchens and out-houses of his white acquaintances, 

15* 



170 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

and presenting to strangers, or those who could not 
well understand his imperfect English, a brief which 
had been written for him by Mr. Richard Bushneil. 
It was as follows : — 

Oneco king, his queen doth bring, 

To beg a bttle food ; 
As they go along, their friends among. 

To try bow kind, bow good. 

Some pork, some beef, for their relief, 

And if you can't spare bread ; 
She'll thank you for pudding, as they go a gooding. 

And carry it on her bead. 

The last line alludes to the Indian custom of bearing 
burdens in a sack upon the shoulders, supported by a 
back strap called a mctomp^ passing across the forehead. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Freemen. Justices. Physicians. Sigii-postg. Town House. Mohegaii Road. Soci- 
eties. Population. Sctiools. Say I) rook Platform. Treasurer. Constable. 

April 28, 1730, all the freemen were enrolled. They 
amounted to 158; thirteen more were added in Sep- 
tember, making 171. The first on the list, and prob- 
ably so placed in respect to age and dignity, were Jo- 
seph Backus Esq., the three reverend ministers, Lord, 
Willes and Kirtland, and the two deacons, Simon and 
Christopher Huntington. After these come Samuel 
and Israel Lothrop, William Hide Esq., Mr. Thomas 
Adgate, Capt. Jabez Perkins, Capt. Benajah Bushnell, 
and Capt. John Leffingwell. 

It is worthy of note, that at this time and for many 
years afterwards, there was but one or two citizens at a 
time, who bore the title of Esq., denoting a Justice of 
the Peace. Mr. Birchard was the first civil magis- 
trate mentioned ; Lt. Thomas Tracy was in the Com- 
mission of the Peace from 1678 to 1685. 

Richard Bushnell Esq. was the next magistrate, and 
some years later, Capt. Jabez Hide. As these became 
aged, Joseph Backus Esq. appears upon the stage, and 
a little later, Wm. Hide jEscj. Next to these gentle- 
men, we find their two sons advancing as the fathers 
recede, viz., Ebenezer Backus Esq. and Richard Hide 
Esq. ; and these appear to have been all who bore the 
office and title before 1760. 

The most conspicuous points at this time in town, 



172 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

and those where all notifications were ordered to.be 
set up, were, the sign-post on the meeting-house plain 
— Joseph Backus' shop door — Benajah Leffingwell's 
gate post, and at the parting of the paths at the corner 
of Ebenezer Backus' garden. This last position is 
still a conspicuous one. The house stands alone, em- 
braced by highways, which run together above and - 
below. It was the homestead of Joseph Backus Esq., 
familiarly known for many years as Mr. Justice Back- 
us, and afterwards of his son Ebenezer, wdio built the 
present house, and set out with his own hand the two 
fine elms before the door. One of the daughters of 
Ebenezer Backus married the second Gov. Trumbull. , 

In 1720, the first project for the erection of a Town 
house was started. Subscriptions w^ere taken and 
liberty granted to set the building on the corner of the 
plain, but the measure not being generally popular, 
the house w^as not erected. 

Fifteen years afterwards, the plan was resumed, and 
a penny rate granted towards defraying the expense. 
This vote, how^ever, did not pass without vehement 
opposition, and a protest of thirteen citizens entered 
against it. The building was erected on the south 
corner of the parsonage, lot which is precisely the spot 
now occupied by the old Court-House. The same year, 
(1735) the inhabitants petitioned the General Assem- 
bly that the Supreme Court in March, and the Supe- 
rior Court in November, for New London Co. nnght 
be held in Norwich. The agents for the town in this 
business, w^ere Capt. John Williams, Capt. Joseph 
Tracy, and Mr. Hezekiah Huntington. The petition 
was granted, and Norwich became a half-shire towm. 
A building had been previously erected for a town jail, 
but a " new prison" was now built on the area of the 
plain, which with land near it, for a "prison-house," 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 173 

was made over to the county. A Avhipping-post and 
pillory were also erected in the vicinity. 

The road between New London and Norwich pass- 
ing- through the Mohegan fields, was also considerably 
improved about this time. This road was fust laid out 
by order of the General Assembly, previous to the 
year 1700. It was surveyed and stated by Joshua 
Raymond, who was remunerated with the gift of a fine 
farm upon the route. 

The key of the town-house was formally de- 
1737. livered into the custody of Capt. Joseph Tracy, 
and a room ordered to be finished under his 
direction, in the garret, for the town's stock of ammu- 
nition. Tile following vote was then passed : " It is 
now ordered and enacted, that if any man shall smoke 
itj in the time of sessions of any town meeting, within 
this house, he shall forfeit the sum of 5 shillings." 

Capt. Joseph Tracy was son to John Tracy, one of 
the thirty-five proprietors. He was a very respectable 
and dignified man, and for a long covuse of years was 
uniformly chosen moderator of all public meetings in 
alternation with Capt. Jabez Hide. He died in 1765, 
aged eighty-three. In 1745 we find the care of the 
town-house and arms committed to Capt. Philip Tur- 
ner, and this is the first time that gentleman's name 
appears on the records. He afterwards performed the 
duties of constable and selectman, and was captain of 
the troop of horse ; — a spirited band of young men 
whom he took much pride in parading and exercising. 
He died in 1755, aged thiity-nine. His son, Dr. Philip 
Turner, became a very eminent surgeon, being applied 
to in difficult cases from various parts of the country. 
His grandson, Dr. John Turner, was also distinguished 
for surgical skill. 

In 1743 Messrs, Richard Hide and Ebenezer Harts- 



174 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

horn were appointed to survey the town, and draw a 
plan of it, embracing- the course of the rivers and 
larger rivulets. The town now comprised eight eccle- 
siastical societies, viz : First, West, Newent, East, New- 
Concord, Chelsy, Hanovei and Eighth ; but the First 
or Town Plot society still maintained its preeminence, 
possessing twice the number of inhabitants, and three 
times tlie amount of influence of any other. No cen- 
sus of the town appears till 1756, when the population 
stood — 

Whites, 5,317 

Blacks, 223— Total, 5,540. 
Schools were maintained by what was called a 
country rate of forty shillings upon the thousand 
pounds, and all deficiences made up by parents and 
guardians. The schools were distributed over the town, 
and kept a longer or shorter period, according to the 
list of each society. In 1745 the appointment was as 

follows 

School at the landing place 

to be kept, . . 3 months and 17 days. 
^' two in the Town-plot, 

one at eacli end, . 5^ months each. 



at Plain Hills, . . 2 months 19 days. 

Waweekus Hill, . 1 " 16 " 
Great Plain, . . 2 " 18 " 

Wequanuk, . . 2 " 15 " 



" on Windham road, .2 " 11 " 
If any of these schools should be kept by a woman, 
the time was to be doubled, as the pay to tlie mistress 
was but half of that to the master. 

Law books and other publications for which the town 
were subscribers, were also generally distributed among 
the several societies according to their respective lists. 
Election sermons, and "the sermon books," were fre- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 175 

quently made the subject of a town order. These hist 
mentioned pubhcations were probably "Russell's Seven 
Sermons," a book of considerable note in that day. 
The last record respecting books appears a little before 
the Revolutionary war, as follows, — 

" Whereas, there are a number of books called the Say- 
brook Platform, now in the town treasury to be disposed of 
for the town's use, and also a number of Election Sermons, 
this town do now order the selectmen to distribute said 
books to, and among the several societies in this town, in 
proportion to the list of said societies." 

In 1751 the selectmen w^ere empowered to prosecute 
with vigor, all who should sell or convey land to 
strangers, and all sales of this kind were declared null 
and void. Orders were given likewise that no stran- 
gers should remain in the town without the public 
consent, and this consent seems to have been very 
cautiously dispensed. Applications were frequently 
made for permission to stay in town for a limited time, 
but this was seldom granted without some condition 
annexed ; such as, if he then remove — if he behave 
himself — if lie do not become chargeable. These votes 
stretch down to 1769. 

The inhabitants were but little given to change ; 

they may rather be selected as conspicuous extmiples 

of what has been called Connecticut Steady Habits. 

Offices, even of an annual tenure, were frequently 

held for a long course of years, by the same incumbent. 

The case of the Huntingtons, the time inmiemorial 

Town Clerks, has l)een already mentioned. The oilice 

of Town Treasurer is another instance, held by Daniel 

Tracy from the year 1735, and perhaps before, until 

after 1760, and probably till his death, in 1771. He 

"was then eighty-three years of age. In later times, 

the two De Witts, of Chelsea, father and son, officiated 



176 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

as Society Clerks for a period of sixty years. Many 
similar instances of perpetuity of service faithfully 
rendered, without any lespect to the emolument, which 
was very trifling, might doubtless be gathered. 

The office of Constable and Collector is one which 
we might expect to find less fixed, and more upon the 
plan of rotation than most others, yet Joseph Tracy 
Jun. held this office nearly thirty years in succession. 
In 1769 this faithful public servant, falling greatly into 
arrears in his accounts, presented a touching petition 
to the town, praying to be discharged from his obliga- 
tions, and stating that he was then a prisoner in his 
own house, " through fear of being confined in a worse 
place." 

" I have spent (said he) almost all my time in the busi- 
ness of my office, so that I have not had time to do any other 
for the support of my family ; and I have not ever crowded 
any poor man into prison for payment of his rate, but have 
shown favor to poor men to my own disadvantage, and turned 
every way to ease them. My long, unhappy and expensive 
law suits with Capt. Abel, in the year 1751 and 52, put me 
behind hand, so that I could not ever recover, and when I 
found that I should fall in rears, I refused to be collector any 
longer ; and for many years past the townsmen have granted 
execution to the sheriff against me before I had collected the 
rate, and by that means all my funds went to the sheriff." 

" In the space of twenty-seven or twenty-eight years that 
I have been collector, I have collected about thirty or forty 
thousand pounds, and I am informed that there is scarce one 
collector in the government that hath been collector half that 
time, but what hath been reduced to low circumstances 
thereby. What little I had of my own when I began I have 
lost entirely, which I suppose was not less than £300 lawful 
money." 

Mr. Constable Tracy died 1787, aged eighty-one. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Civil Affairs. Cases of Trespass. Chaises. Biographical Sketches. Africans. 

In 1759 a new Court House was commenced, fifty 
feet by forty. It stood on the south-west part of the 
Plain, just in front of its present situation. It was 
completed in a couple of years and placed under the 
care of Samuel Huntington, Esq. This gentleman, 
afterwards Governor of the State, was just then begin- 
ning to practice as an attorney. The Court House was 
removed, in 1798, from the area of the plain, to its 
present position, which is the site of the old Town 
House, that was standing when this was first built. It 
is still a respectable building, occupied by an acca- 
demical school. 

A house for ammunition was built at the same time 
with the Court House, on the declivity of the hill near 
the Meeting-house. Some arms, a quantity of shot, 
and about 3000 lbs. of powder were deposited in it. 

This Powder House was blown up in the year 1784. 
The train was laid by some unknown incendiary, but 
being discovered half an hovu- before the explosion, it 
might have been easily extinguished, if any one could 
have been found sufficiently daring to attempt it. The 
timely discovery, however, prevented any injury to life 
or limb, as all in the neighborhood were adveitised of 
the danger and kept out of the way. The concussion 
was violent; windows were broken, timbers loosened, 
roofs started, plastering cracked, and furniture thrown 
16 



178 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

down. Where the building stood, the ground was left 
entirely free of rub])ish ; not even a stone of the found- 
ation remained on the site, and only one of them could 
be identified afterwards, and that descended upon a 
roof at some distance, and passing through two floors, 
lodged in the cellar. A bag of cannistershot flew into 
the chamber \yindow of the parsonage. The meeting- 
house was much shattered by this explosion. 

To show that the rigid supervision of the public 
morals established by the first settlers, continued until 
a late period, a few minutes of cases of trespass will 
be given from MS. papers of Richard Hide, Esq., Jus- 
tice of the Peace, between the years 1760 and 17S0. 

" A man presented for profane swearing having been heard 
to say at the public house — damn me- Sentenced to pay the 
fine of 6s. and the costs, 65. 3f/. 

Another for a similar offence, the culprit using the words 
Go to the devil. Fine 65., costs 8s. lOrf. 

A breach of peace by tumultuous behavior, — fine 10s., 
costs 18s. 8r/. 

Case of assault, — offence, knocking a man down with a 
chair, — fine 15s. and to pay costs, as follows, — warrant Is., 
summons 4rZ., court fees 2s., constable's travel five miles Is. 
3(/., arresting (id. 

1771. A young woman presented for laughing, in a meet- 
ing for public worship, at Mr. Grover's, Sabbath evening 

two females for witnesses — culprit dismissed with a rep- 
rimand. 

1774. Eben"" Waterman Jr. presented by a grand juror, for 
profaning the Sabbath, in the gallery of the meeting-house in 
West Society, by talking in the time of divine service in a 
merry manner, to make sport. Plead guilty — fine 10s. 

"To Richard Hide, Esq., of Norwich, one of his majesty's 
Justices of the Peace for the county of New London, comes 
Ezra Huntington of said Norwich, one of the grand jurors of 
said county, and on oath informs and presents, that Asa 
Fuller, apprentice to said Ezra Huntington, and Ede Trap, 
son to Thomas Trap, and Lemuel Wentworth, son to James 
Wentworth, and Hannah Forsey, and Elizabeth Winship, a 
minor, and daughter of the widow Winship, all of Norwich 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 179 

aforesaid, did, in Norwich aforesaid, on the evening follow- 
ing the 27lh day of May last, it being Sabbath or Lord's Day 
evening, meet and convene together, and walk in the street 
in company, upon no religious occasion, all which is con- 
trary to the statute of this colony in such case made and 
provided. 

For evidence take Peter Latham and Unicc Manning. 

Dated in Norwich, this 11th day of June, 1770." 

Five endorsements are made on the back of this 
presentment — one for each of the offenders — of the 
following' import. 

"June 13, 1770. Then personally appeared Hannah Forsey, 
and confessed guilty of the matter within, and sentenced to 
pay 3s. to the Treasury of the Town and Ls. cost.. — Before 
Richard Hide, Justice of Peace. — Judgment satisfied." 

The first person who set up a chaise in Norwich, was 
one Samuel Brown ; he was fined for riding- in it to 
meeting. In those simple and severe da)'s, the rolling- 
of wheels through the streets was considered a breach 
of the Sabbath. It \vould undoubtedly have a ten- 
dency to attract attention, and cause the thoughts to 
wander from the peculiar duties of the day. If a man 
at the present day, should arrive in town on Saturday 
night, in a balloon, and go to meeting in it on Sunday, 
it would be a similar case. Brown died about 1804, 
aged 90. Col. Simon Lathrop, also rode in a chaise at 
a very early period, but his effeminacy in this respect 
was excused on account of the feeble health of his wife. 
At the period of the revolution, only six chaises, or as 
they arc now called, gigs, Avere owned in the place. 
Probably the number was not increased, until some 
time after the peace. The owners of these six, were, 
1st, Gen. Jabez Huntington : [this gig was large, low, 
square-bodied, and .'•tuddcd with brass nails that had 
square and fiat heads — it was the first in town that had 



180 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

a top which could be thrown back,] 2d, Col. Hezekiah 
Hunting-ton. 3d, Dr. Daniel Lathrop : [this was long 
distinguished by its yellow body with a very large win- 
dow in the side.] 4th, Dr. Theophilus Rogers. 5th, 
Elijah Backus Esq. 6th, Nathaniel Backus Esq. of 
Chelsea : [This afterwards belonged to Capt. Seth Har- 
ding.] Within the same limits, since that period, be- 
tween three and four hundred gigs have been owned 
at one time ; but recently this species of vehicle has 
given place, in a great degree, to waggons and other 
four wheeled carriages. 

The first Druggist in Norwich, and the first in the 
state, was Dr. Daniel Lathrop. He resided three 
years in England, to perfect himself in his business, 
and afterwards made several voyages thither to select 
and purchase his stores. He imported j£8000 worth 
of drugs at one time, and made a large fortune by the 
business. His was the only aj^othecary's establishment 
on the route from New York to Boston, and had a great 
run of custom, supplying all the country for nearly 
one hundred miles in every direction. Dr. Lathrop 
often received orders from New York. His drugs were 
alwa3^s of the best kind, well prepared, packed and 
forwarded in the neatest maaner. 

Benedict Arnold and Solomon Smith were apprenti- 
ces in this shop at the same time. The latter, when 
of age, removed to Hartford, and there established the 
second Druggist's shop in the state. Dr. Lathrop fur- 
nished a part of the surgical stores to the northern 
army in the French war. His wife was a daughter of 
Gov. Talcott, a lady of strong mind, considerable cul- 
tivation, and extensive benevolence. Dr. Lathrop 
died in 1782. Madam Lathrop long survived him, and 
was regarded with universal esteem and veneration. 
Her death took place in 1806. The early childhood 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 181 

of a g-ifted daughter of Norwich, Mrs. L. H. Sigoiir- 
ney, was passed under the roof of this excellent lady. 
Having lost her own children, in their infancy, she 
lavished all her maternal affection cind fostering care 
on tliis child of her heart, who repaid her tenderness 
with filial veneration, and has embalmed her memory 
in hallowed verse. 

Dr. Lathi op left a legacy of <£500 sterling to Yale 
College, and the same sum to the town of Norwich, 
towards the suppoit of a free grammar school. This 
legacy, though subject to some restrictions, was accept- 
ed, and the school went into operation in 1787. Under 
the preceptorship of Mr. William Baldwin, it was for 
many years a large and flourishing school. It has 
since declined, and the restrictions in tlic will, render- 
ing the fund in a great degree valueless to the town, 
it was relinquished in 1843, with the consent of the 
Legislature, to the heirs at law. 

Dr. Joshua Lathrop, the brother of the preceding, 
succeeded to the business, the property, the benevo- 
lence and the public esteem of his relative. He died 
in 1807, at the age of eighty-four. He w;is the last in 
Norwich of the ancient race of gentlemen, that wore a 
white wig. 

The two gentlemen mentioned above descended 
from Samuel Lathrop, one of the early settlers, through 
his second son, Samuel Lathrop 2d. Israel, the third 
son, was the head of a numerous collateral line. He 
had seven sons and six daughters. One of the former 
was the Rev. John Lathrop, a distinguished minister 
of Boston. He was born at Norwich in 1740. After 
completing his education at Princeton, he became for 
a time, an assistant to Mr. Wheelock, in his Indian 
School at Lebanon, but in 1768, was ordained to the 
pastoral charge of the old North Church in Boston. 
16* 



182 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

This church having been demolished by the British 
while they had possession of Boston, the society united 
with the new Brick Church, and Mr. Lathrop became 
the pastor of the United Society. He published a vari- 
ety of sermons, and died in 1816, aged seventy-five. 

The celebrated Dr. Joseph Lathrop, of West Spring- 
field, Mass., whose theological works are so numerous, 
and have been so widely disseminated, was a descend- 
ant of Samuel Lathrop, through his fourth son Joseph, 
and was born at Norwich in October, 1731. The farm 
house in which his father lived, and where he was 
born, was not far from the Shetucket. A half-filled 
cellar in a farm now owned by G. B. Ripley Esq., still 
designates the spot. Dr. Lathrop was the pastor of 
one church sixty-three years, and for a long period was 
regarded with unusual veneration, as the Patriarch of 
the Congregational Churches of New England. He 
died in 1820, aged eighty-nine. His works comprise 
eight or ten volumes. 

Col. Simon Lathrop was another distinguished scion 
of this slock. He was the third son of Samuel Lathrop 
2d, and l)orn in 1689. He was long a Captain of foot, 
and noted for his military bearing. He afterwards 
commanded a regiment, and was in the expeditions 
against Annapolis and Lewisburg. Tiiis regiment was 
not made up of the lowest grades of society, as is often 
the case in an army, but its members were mostly act- 
ive, useful and respectal)le men. After the troops had 
obtained possession of Louisburg, one of the British 
naval officers was walking in the street with a French 
lady of dislinction, who had on a robe that trailed far 
behind, and under the train a lap dog was running. 
A young soldier belonging to Latlirop's regiment, out 
of mere roguery, threw something under the train at 
the dog. It yelled, the lady resented the insult, the 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 183 

officer ordered the offender to be bound and receive a 
certain number of lashes, but the regiment turned out 
of their quarters to a man, at a minute's warning-, and 
rescued their comrade. Their Colonel, though not 
with them at the time, approved the deed, and the 
commanding oflicer allowed it to pass without repre- 
hension. Col. Lathrop was an exellent officer, and a 
great favorite with his men, but prudent, thrifty, and 
fond of adding land to land, and house to house. 
There was a doggerel song that the soldiers used to 
sing after their return from Capertoon, that alludes to 
this propensity.* 

Col. Lotrop he came on 

As bold as Alexander : 
He want afraid, nor yet asham'd. 

To be the chief commander. 

Col. Lotrop was the man, 

His soldiers lov'd him dearly ; 
And with his sword and cannon great, 

He holp'd them late and early. 

Col. Lotrop, staunch and true. 

Was never known to baulk it; 
And when he was engag'd in trade, 

He always fill'd his pocket. 

Col. Lathrop died Jan. 25, 1775. He was an up- 
right man, zealous in religion, faithful in training up 
his fauiil}^, and much respected and esteemed for his 

* In connexion with this trait of cliaracter, the following anecdote 
is told, though perhaps an apology ought to be made for perpetuating 
such a trifle. Some laborers were one evening sitting under a tree, 
and conversing about the moon. One said there was land there, as 
well as upon earth ; others doubted it. At length Col. Lathrop's negro 
man, who was near, exclaimed — " Poh ! poh ! no such thing — no land 
there, I'm sure. If there was, Massa have a farm tliere before now." 



184 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

abilities and social virtues. His wife was a Separatist, 
and he carefully abstained from any interference with 
her predilections, but was accustomed every Sunday to 
carry her in his chaise up to her meeting, half a mile 
beyond his own — then return to his own place of vi^or- 
ship, and after the service was over, go up town again 
after his wife. 

Other descendants of the Rev. John Lathrop, besides 
the Norwich branch, are numerous in New England; 
but most of them adhere to the orthography of their 
ancestor, and spell the name Lothrop. Dr. Daniel 
Lathrop, who had seen the name of his ancestors in 
the register offices in London, introduced the more 
correct form into the Norwich family. 

The Lathrops, Huntingtons, and other principal 
families of Norwich, owned slaves, whom they em- 
ployed for house-servants. The colored population 
was therefore numerous for a northern town, and it was 
not until near the eraof the revolution, that the reasona- 
bleness and equity of holding their fellow cieatures in 
durance, began to be questioned by the citizens. At 
length it was whispered about that it was inconsistent 
to complain of political oppression, and yet withhold 
from others the privileges to which they were enti- 
tled : — to fight for liberty, and yet refuse it to a por- 
tion of their fellow creatures. Several persons volun- 
tarily emancipated their slaves. The following instance 
is from a newspaper of the day : 

" Dec. 1774. Mr. Samuel Gager, of Norwich, from 
a conscientious regard to justice, has lately liberated 
three faithful slaves, and as a compensation for their 
services, leased them a valuable farm on very moderate 
terms. Mr. Jonathan Avery also emancipated an 
able industrious negro nuin, from the same noble 
principle." 



' HISTORY OF NORWICH. 185 

But whether slaves or freemen, the Africans of Nor- 
wich have always been treated with forbearance and 
lenity. They have been particularly indulged in their 
annual elections and traniings. In former times, the 
' ceremony of a mock election, of a negro governor, 
created no little excitement in tbeir ranks. This was 
a great festival to them, but so demoralizing in its ef- 
fects, tliat it is strange it should have been tolerated by 
the magistrates, in a town so rigid in its code of morals. 
A very decent grave stone in the public burial ground, 
bears this inscription — "In memory of Boston Trow- 
trow, Governor of the African tribe in this town, who 
died 1772, aged 66." After the death of this person, 
Sa7n Hun^ton was annually elected to this mock digni- 
ty for a much greater number of years, than his hono- 
rable namesake and master, — Samuel Huntington 
Escj., filled the gubernatorial chair. It was amusing to 
sec this sham dignitary after his election, riding through 
the town on one of his master's horses, adorned with 
plaited gear, his aids on each side, a la militaiie, him- 
self puffing and swelling with pomposity, sitting bolt 
upright, and moving with a slow, majestic pace, as if 
the universe was looking on. When he mounted or 
dismounted, his aids flew to his assistance, holding his 
bridle, putting his feet into the stirrup, and bowing to 
the ground before him. The Great Mogul, in a tri- 
umphal procession, never assumed an air of more per- 
fect self-importance than the negro Governor at such 
a time. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



Chelsea. Higli« ays. Warnings. The Cove. Commerce. Delaware Purchase. 
French Neutrals. Trade. 

In the year 1748 two highways to the landing- were 
opened, east and west of the Little Plain and Wawe- 
cos Hill. These coincided with what are now called 
Crescent and Washington streets. The road across 
the Hill from the Little Plain to the Landing was 
henceforth but little used, and permission was given 
to Benajah Bushnell to enclose it, he maintaining con- 
venient bars for the people to pass. This hill, a prom- 
inent feature in the scenery of the place, was called 
by the first planters Fort Hill. The conjecture may 
be allowed, that the rude Indian fortress which crowned 
its summit, stood near where Mr. Rockwell has erected 
an observatory. It might there keep a look-out both 
ways from the Slietucket to the Yantic. This hill was 
afterwards called Wawecos, from Waweequaw, the 
brotlier of Uncas, who clahiied it as his personal 
property. 

1750. A highway was opened " by the water, from 
Nathaniel Backus' dwelling-house, to Capt. Bush- 
nell 's ware-house." At these points it met the east 
and west highways, and formed a continuous road 
round the base of the hill. This is now Water street. 
T'here was also a highway laid out leading down to 
Sandy Beach. The boundary between Chelsea and 
the Town Plot, was " at the parting of the paths on 
the Little Plain, at Oliver Arnold's corner." 




> 




HISTORY OF NORWICH. 187 

Chelsea was now an important section of the town, 
and it was voted " that all future warnings for town 
meetings be set u}) at the Landing-place, on some post 
to be provided by the inhal)itants there." A sign-post 
was accordingly set up "at Mr. Peter Landman's 
corner," as the most conspicuous place, and remained 
there many years. Another noted station where public 
notifications were soon after this directed to be posted 
up, was " the Little Elm before Capt.Lothrop's door." 
This was at the Lathrop farm, on the Shetucket, where 
a piil»lic ferry or bridge had been kept up ever since 
the settlement. Upon these posts, and those before 
mentioned in the town plot, all warnings and an- 
nouncements which any way affected the interests of 
the people were affixed; with the exception of inten- 
ded marriages, which always appeared on the meeting- 
house doors. 

Mr. Peter Lanman's corner mentioned above, by the 
opening of Main street, and other changes, has long 
ceased to be a corner. It was on the spot afterwards 
occupied for a long term of years as a druggist's store, 
by Dr. Dwight Ripley. The sign of" Lee & Osgood" 
now indicates the location. 

The common lands and flats upon the Cove, extend- 
ing as far np as "Elijah Lathrop's Grist Mills," were 
laid out in 1760, or near that period. The shares were 
divided into tenths, and each tenth into eight several 
parcels or lots, as the sheep-w%ilks had been. 

Mr. Elijah Lnthrop, whose name was thus early 
connected with the mills of Norwich, was for a long 
period almost the sole resident at the Falls. Elderkin 
and Latlirop are the only names popularly connected 
with that quarter of the town previous to the year ISOO. 

In 1794 Mr. Lathrop had a valuable oil mill de- 
stroyed by fire. The canal around the Falls was con- 



188 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

structed by him at a great expense. For a considerable 
distance it was blasted through solid rock, and, at the 
period when it was done, was considered a great work. 
Mr. Lathrop was the second son of the brave Col. 
Simon Lathrop, of Cape Breton memory. He died in 
1814, aged ninety-four. 

Mr. Andrew Huntington and Mr. Ebenezer Bush- 
nell, were also early proprietors at the Falls. They 
established a paper manufactory in 1794. 

From the General List of 1757, it appears that there 
were then eighty-seven resident proprietors of rateable 
estate in "the society of New Clielsy," and twenty- 
five non-residents. 

The )^ear 1760 may be taken as the era when the 
commerce of Norwich, which at two distinct periods, 
before and after the war, became important, received 
its first great impulse. A foresight of this prosperity 
was obtained by the fathers of the town, in 1751, when 
they made the following declaration. 

" Whereas, the town did formerly grant to Mr. Joseph 
Kelley, shipwright, to build vessels at the Landing-place, 
where he is now building, during the town's pleasure, and 
would give him twelve months notice, do now declare that 
their will and pleasure, as to his building in said place, is at 
an end, the place being much wanted for public improve- 
ment, and do now give him notice thereof accordingly, and 
order the selectmen to notify him, by sending him a copy of 
this act." 

The coasting trade was now carried on to some ex- 
tent, and many sloops and schooners were owned and 
fitted out. In the " New London Summary," then the 
only newspaper in this part of the colony, the adver- 
tisements of the merchants and packet masters of 
" New Chelsy," are frequently inserted. Very soon 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 189 

also, the place began to take its proper name and or- 
thography, Chelsea. 

By the peace of 1763 a large territory was acquired 
by the English in Nova Scotia. A part of this was laid 
out into towns and sections by the provincial govern- 
ment, and associations of individuals were formed in the 
colonies to purchase and settle these lands, which were 
offered them on very easy terms. The inhabitants of 
the eastern part of Connecticut, and several citizens of 
Norwich in particular, entered largely into these pur- 
chases, as they did also into the purchases, made at the 
same period, of land on the Delaware river. The pro- 
prietors held their meetings at the Town-house, in 
Norwich, and many persons of even small means were 
induced to become subscribers, in the expectation of 
bettering their fortunes. On the Delaware they pur- 
chased of the natives, Coshaiton. In Nova Scotia, 
Dublin, Horton, Falmouth, Amherst, &c., which were 
laid out and settled by New England emigrants — a 
considerable number of whom were from the eastern 
part of Connecticut. Sloops were continually plying 
back and forth, from Norwich and New London to 
Menis and Chignecto, with emigrants and provisions; 
one hundred and thirty-seven settlers sailed at one 
time from these two places. 

Norwich, as well as many other towns was inunda- 
ted with the French Neutrals, a harmless and much 
abused people, who, in the year 1755, had been driven 
from their peaceful seats in the Northern Provinces, by 
tlieir English conquerors, and forced to take refuge in 
New England. They met with sympathy and charity 
in Connecticut: New London, in paiticular was over- 
run with them, but most of them afterwards returned 
to Canada. Capt. Richard Leffingwell, of Norwich, 
17 



190 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

in the brig Pitt, carried 240 of them, with their priest, 
to Quebec, in the year 1767. 

The West India trade also began to thrive in Chel- 
sea, about the year 1760. A back country of some 
extent made its deposites in Norwich, and its citizens 
were induced to enter largely into commercial affairs. 
Chelsea was their Port, and instead of exhibiting, as 
heretofore, nothing but ship-yards and Avarehouses, 
fishermen's cabins and sailors' cottages, it now began 
to show some respectable buildings. Let us suppose 
ourselves walking through its streets about this period. 
We might see lying at the wharves, perhaps departing 
or entering, the coasting sloops, Defiance and Ann, the 
London Packet, Ebenezer Fitch, master ; the Norwich 
Packet, Capt. Fanning ; the brig Two Brothers, Capt. 
Waterman; sloop Betsey, Capt. Billings; the Nancy, 
Capt. Rogers; the Charming Sally, Capt. Matthew 
Perkins, &c., &c. Here is the new establishment of 
Jacob De Witt, just settled in town, and opening an 
assortment of merchandize: that of Gershom Breed, 
for all sorts of shipping materials and groceries : that of 
John Baker Brimmer, who keeps a little of every thing, 
and gives " cash for ox-horns, old pewter and hopps :" 
that of Ebenezer Colburn, iron-monger and cutler, at 
the sign of the Black Horse : that of Isaiah Tiflany, 
who keeps " ribbons, fans, calicoes, lawns and china- 
ware, just imported from London:" and that of Na- 
thaniel Backus, Jr. This last store was the corner 
building, long occupied by Messrs. Charles and George 
Coit. The door, which by the gradual filling up of 
the street, was in latei years, on a level with the 
ground, was then entered by three steps; the broad 
one at the top serving for a horse-block, where females 
from the country, who came into town for shopping, 
mounted and dismormted from their horses. Main street 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 



191 



was not Uien opened, and the position w^as not as 
conspicuous as afterwards. If we enquire the prices 
of articles, we shall find some of them as follows: — 
best London pewter, Is. 6 per lb. : Bristol do. Is. 5 ; 
brass kettles, 2s. 2 ; German serge, 5s. per yard ; black 
Taffety, Ss. ; blue and red Duffles, 4s. 3 ; Barbadoes 
rum, 3s. 4 per gall. ; molasses, Is. 8 ; Bohea tea, 4s. 8 
per lb. ; Muscovado sugar, 6c?. 

The goods in the retail storesof that day were some- 
what oddly assorted. For instance, one man adver- 
tised slieep's-wool, codfish. West India products and 
an assortment of European dry goods, "N. B. As the 
subscriber has an interest in a still-house at Chelsea, 
he expects to have New England rum constantly to 
sell." 

At tliis })eriod, the best assortments were all up town, 
and the ladi(>s of Chelsea were as much accustomed to 
go thitiier to do their shopping, that is, if dry goods or 
fancy articles were wanted, as the ladies of the town 
now are to go to Chelsea. Social intercourse was at 
this time, on the most easy and delightful footing, in 
both divisions of the town. Visits were frequent, long 
and familiar. The customs, in some respects, were 
the reverse of the present. The visit was made, and 
the visiters returned home by day-ligld. Instead of 
the lady giving out invitations to her guests, the 
guests sent word to the lady, (all the neighborhood 
joining together on such occasions,) that they Avould 
come and spend the afternoon with lier. 

At the period of which we are speaking, West Chel- 
sea consisted of some two or three small buildings and 
a ship yard. There was no bridge over the river, and 
no road from that side, except a cart track to the Great 
Plain. The Ferry extended from tlie rear of Mr. 
Clark Kinney's house, to the opposite bank, and here 



192 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

for many years, old Capt. Adams used to ply his boat, 
for the accomodation of passengers. In 1764, a high- 
way was opened from the Landing to the Great Plain. 
Water Street, in the time of the spring floods, was 
usually impassable. Every high tide brought water 
into it, and people now living can remember the scow, 
bottom upwards, that served as a causeway for foot- 
passengers over the worst place. To show how much 
the streets have been gradually raised, Ave may men- 
tion that the King house in Union street, which is now 
entered by a descent from the streets, was when built, 
so far elevated above the street, as to have an ascent 
of one or two steps to the front door. 



CHAPTER XXIV 



Ecclesiastical Aftaira. 



The ministry of Dr. Lord was eminently useful and 
successful. When he settled in 1717, there were 
about thirty male members in his church, and as many 
females. In the first fifty years of his ministry, three 
hundred and thirty were admitted. In 1721, there was 
a revival in his church. In 1735, he took a journey 
to Northampton, in order to see with his own eyes, and 
hear from Mr. Edwards himself, the particulars of the 
great revival there. His report, and his labors on his 
return, were the means of another revival in his church, 
and again in 1740 there was another. It is remarka- 
ble, that at each of these periods, there was also a 
powerful revival in Windham, a town ten miles from 
Norwich, a place which after that period, was, for a 
long time said to be, in a spiritual sense, like Egypt, 
Avithout rain. 

Dr. Lord's public services were always impressive. 
One of his contemporaries said, that " he seemed to 
have an inexhaustible fund of proper words, pointed 
sense, and devout affections." The revival in his 
church in 1721, was at a time of very general religious 
declension thioiighout New England. The great revi- 
val period in America commenced in 1735, but was 
most extraordinary in 1740 and 1741. Whitefield was 
at this time laboring in America, and his great success 
led nianv others into a course of itinerant and often 
17* 



194 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

erratic preaching. Irregularities, and sensible demon- 
strations of the effects of the Spirit, were too often coun- 
tenanced, but the clergy, as a body, opposed them, 
and in some instances carried their zeal so far, as to 
condemn the revival itself. The work however was 
generally considered a great and glorious work, and 
several associations of ministers gave testimony in its 
favor. June 23, 1743, twelve ministers convened at 
Norwich, for the purpose of acknowledging the good- 
ness of God in this revival. The churches in this quar- 
ter, however, had for some time been in a state of 
internal commotion with respect to doctrinal points, 
and this was aggravated by the difference of opinion in 
regard to revival measures. 

At Mr. Lord's ordination, the Church had renounced 
the Saybrook Platform ; but in 1744, the pastor and a 
majority of the members were in favor of it, and a vote 
was passed to receive it as their rule of discipline. 
This led to an important schism in the church. Thirty 
male members, including one of their deacons, drew 
off, and forming a separate church, were known by 
the name of Separatists. They had among them sev- 
eral of the most wealthy and respectable men in the 
Society. They built a house for public worship, just 
at the foot of Bean Hill, and for a number of years had 
the Rev. Mr. Fuller for their minister. 

Another church of this description was organized at 
Norwich Farms at the same period, and ministers pro- 
vided for both. Tliomas Dcnison being ordained at 
the Farms, Oct. 29, 1746, and Jedcdiah Hide at Nor- 
wich Town the next day, Oct. 30, Similar disputes 
also agitated the Rev. Mr. Kirtland's church, in the 
third or Newent Society, and a seceding church of seven 
members was formed there in 1750 — Jeremiah Tracy, 
one of the seven, becoming their minister, and preach- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 195 

ing to them— a work which the Newent Church, in 
tlieir records, soknnnly declare that they hcHeve the 
Lord had not called him to do. 

The reasons given by the seceders in this society, 
for withdrawing, were various. One siiid it w^as be- 
cause he found no edification in the church : another, 
because "the chuich in w^ords profess Christ, but in 
works deny him." Mr. Joseph SafTord, one of the 
most zealous of the Separates, gave his reasons as fol- 
lows : — 1st, because the church was not organized with 
sufficient church officers ; 2d, they admitted members 
who could not say that Christ was formed in them, or 
that they had acted faith in him ; 3d, they admitted 
members into covenant, who were not in full com- 
munion. 

The Newent chiuxh was greatly harrassed by these 
divisions ; that at the Farms still more so, as it led to 
the dismission of Mr. Wills in 1749. Indeed there was 
scarcely a church in the whole state, which was not 
at this time trouljled and toin by conflicting opinions, 
respecting church government and the terms of com- 
numion. In the course of ten 3'ears, as many as twenty 
churches of Congregational Separates were formed in 
difi'erent parts of Connecticut; but they have since, 
one after another, become extinct, or been merged in 
other denominations, particularly the Baptist. 

As these churches were not recognized by the Legis- 
lature, the members were still taxed to support their 
formei ministers, and this led to various instances of 
petty persecution and private suffering, imprisomnent 
and distraining of goods, the memory of which is still 
hoarded and perhaps aggravated by tradition. At 
Norwich the number of Separates was considerable, 
and their influence still greater, so that at one period, 
they out-voted the standing regular church, and de- 



196 HISTORY OP NORWICH. 

clared that they would not support a minister by a tax. 
The other party appealed to the Legislature, and ob- 
tained an order to enforce the rates. Violent commo- 
tions were the consequence, and it is said that no less 
than forty persons were imprisoned on this account in 
one season. One of the most aggravated cases of this 
kind, was that of a respectable widow lady, of the 
name of Backus. Her son had previously suffered an 
imprisonment of twenty days, and herself, on a dark 
night in October, 1752, about nine o'clock, was seized 
by the collector, carried to jail, and kept there thirteen 
days. Her tax was then paid, but without her consent, 
by her son-in-law, Gen. Jabez Huntington. At a sub- 
sequent period, her grandson. Gen. Jedidiah Hunting- 
ton, pledged himself to pay her rates annually, that 
the venerable lady might not be disturbed by any soli- 
citations for that purpose. This lady was mother of 
the Rev. Isaac Backus, of Middleborougli, Mass., who, 
in his Church History, has preserved a letter from her, 
giving an account of her imprisonment, and the abun- 
dant measure of divine support that she received under 
it. She states, that Mr. Griswold, formerly a deacon 
of Mr. Lord's church, and then officiating as deacon of 
the Separate Chiu-ch, and Messrs. Hill, Sabin and 
Grover, were imprisoned at the same time. Mr. Backus 
adds — " They went on in such ways for about eight 
years, until the spiritual weapons of truth and love, 
vanquished those carnal weapons, W'hich have not been 
so used in Norwich since." 

The last instance of distrainment that is remembered 
to have taken place, was in the case of Mr. Ezekiel 
Barrett, who died recently, at a very advanced age. 
He had refused to pay the usual rates, and was arrest- 
ed at the Court House, just at the close of a town meet- 
ing. He made an obstinate resistance, and it took the 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 197 

constable and six other men to convey him to jail. He 
was considerably bruised in the scuffle, and by being 
dragged upon the frozen ground. After a week's im- 
prisomnent, he gave his note for tlie sum demanded, 
and was released. Subsequently he refused to pay the 
note, alleging that it was forced from him by oppres- 
sion. It was sued at law, and his cow taken and sold 
at the post to pay the rate and costs. 

It is undoubtedly this instance which has given rise 
to the reports tliat these taxes were always rigorously 
exacted, even to the seizure of the poor man's cow 
and his last bushel of grainy The cases above men- 
tioned are believed to be the only ones that occurred- 
in which any severity was exercised. Dr. Lord al- 
ways treated the Separatists with kindness and respect, 
and this led the way to the restoration of a considerable 
number of them to his church. But the mode of rais- 
ing the minister's salary, by rates, soon became exces- 
sively odious to the society. In 1783 a liberal sub- 
scription was made and a fund established, in order to 
do away with the necessit)^ of rates. Dr. Daniel La- 
throp, by his will, left jESOO towards this fund, his 
successor. Dr. Joshua Lathrop, added ^6150 more ; it 
was raised by other gentlemen of the society to .£2000. 
Another step was to induce the pew-holders to relin- 
quish their rights, so that the pews might be sold annu- 
ally, and the avails applied to the same objecl. This 
was happily accomplished except in the case of three 
individuals, who obstinately refused to give up their 
pews, averring that if they could not sit in the same 
place where they had hitherto sat, they w^ould not go 
to meeting. This matter was, however, at length ac- 
commodated, the pews sold, and the fund advanta- 
geously employed ; so that a sum was annually raised 



198 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

sufficient to discharge all ecclesiastical expenses, and 
the minister's rate tax happily abolished. 

The first annual sale of pews was in 1791. This 
was in the fourtli Meeting-house of the society, which 
seemed to have been destined to misfortune from it> 
first origin. Its erection w^as veliemently opposed l;y 
a strong party. A vote to build was, however, ob- 
tained, in 1748, seventy-two to thirty-two, and again, 
in a second meeting, seventy-six to thirty-eight. Eb- 
enezer Backus, Esq., was directed to lay the matter 
before the General Assembly, to ask leave to build, to 
request that the site should be fixed, and that the Sep- 
arates should be exempted from paying any thin^; 
towards it. The next year it was determined not to 
build a new house, but to repair the old one. In 1750 
they rescinded this vote, and ordered the building com- 
mittee to renew their operations. j£7000, old tenoi , 
was subscribed towards it, and the shell was soon coiii- 
pleted. But the sum was insufficient to go any farther, 
and it long remained in this unfinished state. The 
bell was, however, hung, the clock fixed in its place,* 
and divine worship performed in the half-built house. 
Mr. Whitfield, in one of his tours through the coun- 
try, preached in it while in this rough and incomplete 
state; fourteen years afterward he came round again, 
and it was still in the same condition. He publicly re- 
proved the people for their negligence, and in conse- 
quence measures were taken for its completion. They 
did not proceed with much spirit, but a little was done 
every year. Spaces for pews were l^ought by individ- 
uals, and enclosed at a common expense. Four slips 
in front of the pulpit were reserved for old men and 

* This was the first Town Clock, and cost £8 ; the fixtures some- 
thing more. It was purchased in 11 15, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 199 

women, and low benches were placed in ihe aisles for 
children. The galleries were built, stone steps set up, 
I bannisters placed around the bell, and finally, in 1769, 
i a vote was passed to colour the meeting-honse. 

This house, like others of that day, had doors on 
1 three sides. Watt's version of the Psalms was intro- 
f duced in 1772. In 1801 this church was destroyed by 
I fire, together with a store and dwelling-house near it. 
The fire was supposed to have been kindled by an in- 
( cendiary, but the culprit was never discovered. The 
I present Church was built the succeeding year, and 
I the expense defrayed partly by subscription, and partly 
i by a lottery. 

The Church of the Separates flourished for some 
; year? ; Mr. Fuller was an excellent man and a good 
I preacher, but eventually he re-united with the Con- 
gregationalists, and was settled at Plainfield. After 
i his removal the Church dwindled away ; most of the 
females, and some of the males, returned to their an- 
cient home, and were received with cordiality. Among 
these was the venerable Deacon Griswold. It created 
considerable emotion in the meeting-house when, for 
the first time after his secession, his gray locks were 
seen in the old man's seat. As he was somewhat deaf, 
he soon afterward asked permission of tlie young pas- 
tor to go up the pulpit stairs and lean over the door 
while he was pieaching, that he might hear more dis- 
tinctly. Mr, Strong immediately invited him to take 
a seat in the pulpit, which he ever afterwards did, 
when able to attend meeting. 

Before tlie final extinction of the Separate Church, 
a small party seceded from these Seceders, and embra- 
ced the doctrine of the universal salvation of all man- 
kind, or the final restoration of all to a state of happi- 
ness. These proved to be a soil ready prepared, into 



200 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

which Murray and Winchester afterwards cast their 
seed, and reaped something of a harvest in Norwich. 
They held their meetings in the large front kitchen of 
the house then occupied by Mr. Ebenezer Grover, and 
still known as the old Grover house — the Grovers, 
father and son, mother and daughter, down to the ven- 
erable spinster and school-mistress, Miss Molly Grover, 
the last of the family in Norwich, sympathizing heart- 
ily with all seceders from the prevailing order. Here 
Mr. Hide used occasionally to hold meetings, and after 
him Mr. Gamaliel Reynolds. The latter was a stone 
mason by trade, a man of no education, but of consid- 
erable native talent. He was one of that original class 
of men, — keen, witty and observing ; famed for hu- 
morous sallies, and those apt remarks that are treasured 
up, and retailed as sayings, of which the present day 
seems to exhibit fewer specimens than of yore. Nor- 
wich, in former days, possessed many of these original 
characters, both of the whimsical and shrewd species. 
The meeting-house built by the Separatists after the 
extinction of the sect, was used for a female academy, 
which, under some of its teachers, was sufficiently dis- 
tinguished to call in a considerable number of pupils 
from the neighboring towns. Dr. Morse, so' well 
known for his Geographies and Gazetteers, was for a 
short time its preceptor. The building was always in 
use for the joint purposes of education and religion. 
The upper part was occupied for many years as a place 
of worship by the Methodists. They relinquished it 
in 1834, on the completion of their present Chapel on 
Bean Hill. It was taken down in 1843. 



Y 



CHAPTER XXV. 



Ministers. Rev. Dr. Lord. Rev. Dr. Sirong. 



Dr. Lord preached his lialf-centiuy sermon, Nov. 
29, 1767, from II Peter, 1 : 12-15. He was then 
seventy-four years of age, and in firm heahh and 
strength. He preached another interesting- retrospec- 
tive discourse eleven years afterwards, on the sixty- 
first anniversary of his ordination. This was printed, 
and is entitk'd " The aged minister's solemn appeal 
to God, and serious address to his people." He 
preached also a sixty-fourth anniversary sermon in 
1781, but it was not published. After this period 
infirmity came fast upon him. In his eighty-seventh 
year his eye-sight failed him, and he preached ever 
afterwards extemporaneously. He however continued 
to write his discourses, keeping his place upon the 
paper with his left hand, and though the lines could 
not be ver)" straight, and the words frequently ran over 
each other, his grand daughter Caroline used to study 
it out, and then read it over slowly and repeatedly to 
him, until it w^as sufficiently imprinted on his mem- 
ory to enable him to deliver it with fluency from the 
pulpit. It was observed by his people that the ser- 
mons thus preached, were some of his best; for gener- 
ally Mr. Lord's style was diffuse and somewhat redu- 
plicative, but the difficulty of writing when he had 
become blind, led him to think longer and to condense 
his thoughts into as few words as possible. His rea- 
18 



202 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

soning powers were even at this age very little impai- 
red, and to use the language of one of his most inti- 
mate friends, " his meekness, hiUTiility, philanthropy, 
and heavenly-mindedness, were apparently increased, 
and he seemed to 

' stand with his starry pinions on, 
Drestforthe flight, and ready to be gone.'" 

He resumed his pastoral labors, at intervals, and 
being assisted up the pulpit stairs, graced the public 
worship, with his venerable presence, by the side of 
his young associate, almost without interruption, until 
his death, which took place March 31, 1784, almost 
sixty-seven years after his ordination. He preached 
the last time, about six weeks before his dtath. His 
funeral sermon was delivered April 2d, by the Rev. 
James Cogswell, of Windham. 

Dr. Lord was a small man, and in his latter days 
stooped much, yet his appearance was pleasing and 
interesting. Though he lived to old age, his constitu- 
tion was far from robust, and in his early years he was 
subject to pnin and disease. Age, therefore, personi- 
fied in him, looked still more aged, and no one could 
approach him without being struck with the reverend 
antiquity of his appearance. His intercourse with his 
people was like tliat of an affectionate father in his 
family. "I have lived, (said he,) in their hearts, and 
they in mine." In addition to a sickly frame, Dr. 
Lord had great trials in his family. His first wife, 
Ann Taylor, of Westfield, to whom he was married in 
1720, was confined to the bed sixteen years, and eight 
years of that time was incapable of feeding herself, 
but these dispensations were all sanctified to this good 
man. He foimd time to perform well, all the regular 
duties of his office, and in the course of his life pub- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 203 

lished twelve sermons, which were jiieached on spe- 
cial occasions. A part of his Diary, wiilten in his old 
age, was preserved by his colleague and successor, who 
to the day of his death, cherished a most affectionate 
veneration for his predecessor. On liis eighty-first 
birtli-dfiy, Dr. Lord wrote in his Diary thus: 

" It is a wonder to many and especially to myself, that 
there are any remains of the man and the minister at this 
advanced age, and that I am still able to preach with accept- 
ance to my numerous assembly. It is much that I have 
survived two former climacterics, in which many have died, 
and ministers not a few, and still more that I have lived to 
this greater climacteric, nine times nine. But the climax is 
at hand — the certain crisis. Death has not gone by me, 
not to come upon me." 

On his eighty-third birth-day he makes similar 
reflections, praying that his sensible failure in vigor 
and usefulness may be balanced by larger portions of 
the Divine presence. He alludes to his being the 
oldest preaching minister in the State, yet considers 
himself but a babe and dwarf in religion, in proportion 
to its high demands, and is confounded to think how 
low he is under such means of rising high. On a sub- 
sequent anniversary he writes thus: 

" This day completes the eighty-fifth year of my age, 
from which to look back into early life, through all the sta- 
ges and various scenes thereof, makes the aflticting retro- 
spect swell with the idea of a very long term. But what is 
this to the more affecting prospect of an eternity before me, 
infinitely larger than the largest circumference to the small- 
est point of time. Oh my soul, hast thou on the garment of 
salvation, both inherent and imputed righteousness, the one 
to qualify for heaven, the other to give the title ! art thou 
the subject of that effectual calling which is both the fruit 
and proof or evidence of election ? " 

In 1778, March iSth, the Rev. Joseph Strong was 



204 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

settled as a colleague with Dr. Lord, who was then 
eighty-four years of age. Mr. Strong was the son of 
the Rev. Nathan Strong of Coventry. By his mother's 
side, he was descended from the Williams' fami]y,who 
were taken captives by the Indians at Deerfield, in the 
night of Feb. 28, 1704. The general circumstances 
of this tragedy are well known. The two little 
daughters of Mr. Williams who went into captivity 
with their father, were named Eunice and Esther. 
The former was never redeemed, but being adopted 
into the family of a chief, she became attached to the 
Indian manners and customs, refused to return to her 
relatives, embraced the Roman Catholic religion, and 
married a chief, named Roger Toroso, who resided at 
St. Johns, twenty miles from Montreal. Esther was 
ransomed and returned home with her father. She 
married the Rev. Mr. Meachum of Coventry, and one 
of her daughters became the wife of the Rev. Nathan 
Strong, who was ordained Pastor of a Second Congre- 
gational Church in Coventry, in 1745, and was the 
father of the Rev. Nathan Strong, D. D. of Hartford, 
and the Rev. Joseph Strong, D. D. of Norwich. At 
the ordination of the latter, the sermon was preached 
by his brother, and the charge given by liis father. — 
The text was from Isaiah 52, 7. " How beautiful," 
&c. The scene was deeply affecting and impressive,. | 
particularly when the speaker turned to the young , 
candidate and said : 

" My dear brother, — I may now address you by that en- 
dearing epithet in all its senses. We received our being un- | 
der God, from the same parents, were educated by the same ' 
nurturing kindness, have professed obedience to the same 
glorious Father in heaven, and this day introduces you a | 
brother laborer in the Lord's vineyard. Very pleasant hast | 
thou been unto me, m}' brother, and never was my pleasure 
greater in beholding thee, than on this day's solemnities. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 205 

Long may your feet be beautiful on these mountains of Zion. 
The God of heaven bless and preserve thee." 

Nor was the emotion of the audience less intense, 
when the father of the candidate, in solemn and 
affecting terms, where deep feeling contended with 
ministerial gravity, invested him with the priest's 
office, and addressing him as a dearly beloved son, 
charged him to take heed to the ministry which he 
had received, and to serve Avith his venerable col- 
league, " as a son with a father, as a Timothy with 
Paul the aged." 

Mr. Strong married soon after his ordination, Mary, 
daughter of the Hon. Jahez Huntington. 

At the time of his seltlement, there were two seced- 
ing congregations in the society, considerably numer- 
ous, but they soon became extinct, and an uncommon 
degree of peace and unanimity existed in the society, 
during the whole of his prolonged ministry. He was 
distinguished for the benevolence of his disposition, and 
the fervency and solemnity of his prayers. In social 
intercourse, he exhibited the manners of the gentleman 
and the character of the christian. Many of the facts 
in these sketches owe their perpetuation to his reten- 
tive memory and rich flow of conversation. 

Dr. Strong's pecuniary dealings with his people were 
uniformly marked by great generosity on his part. 
His salary was never raised above the stipulated sum 
of $444, except for a very few years, when an annual 
gratuity was added to it, on account of the high price 
of provisions. The financial arrangements at his 
settlement, throw some light on the currency of the 
day. The society agreed to give him ^£300 as a settle- 
ment, in three annual payments, of ,£100 each ; a 
salary of jEIOO per annum for the first three years, and 

18* 



206 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

after that term, .£133 6s. 8 per annum. This was to 
be proportioned to wheat at 65. per bushel ; rye at 
3s. 6; Indian corn at 36. ; pork at 3if/. per lb., and 
the best grass fed beef at 40i-. per cwt. To this salary 
was added twenty-five cords of w^ood annually, to be 
delivered at his door. The regulation of prices in 
these times of fluctuating currency, was a matter of no 
small perplexity. For the first payment of Mr. Strong's 
settlement, he received £1200 in bills of credit, as an 
equivalent for £100. In 1779, £2500 in bills was 
equal to 100, and in 1780, he received for his salary, 
£7200 — 72 to 1 ; being then the proportion between 

continental paper and silver money. 

In 1829, Dr. Strong applied to the society to settle 
a colleague, wishing, as he said, to have the same sat- 
isfaction that his venerable predecessor had enjoyed 
towards the close of his life, in beholding the society 
harmoniously unite in settling a successor. That this 
object migbt be accomplished with less inconvenience 
to his people, he voluntarily proposed to relinquish his 
salary after the first year. The society acceded to his 
request, and the Rev, Cornelius B. Everest was ifistal- 
led as his colleague the same year. Dr. Strong died 
Dec. 18, 1834, aged eighty-one — in the fifty-seventh 
year of his ministry. The Rev. Dr. Nott, of Franklin, 
his senior in age, and nearly his coeval in office, assist- 
ed at his interment, and since that event, seems to 
stand alone, the patriarch of the county. The minis- 
tries of Drs. Lord and Strong comprise one hundred 
and seventeen years, besides six years of joint service. 
This case is more extraordinary than even that of the 
Mayhews of Martha's Vineyard. 

Mr. Everest was dismissed in April, 1836. 

Rev. Hiram P. Arms installed as his successor, Aug. 
3, 1836. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



The Uevoliuionary Period. 



The first pul)lic act from which we gain any idea of 
the spirit of the citizens of Norwich, with regard to the 
great sul)jects pending between England and the col- 
onies, was on April 7, 1765. The Stamp Act had 
become a law, and it remained to be seen whether its 
operation could be enforced. The freemen were con- 
vened by the Town-clerk, and the question submitted 
by him, whether he should proceed in the duties of 
his office as heretofore, without using the stamps : — 
" \\Jiereupoii it was agreed unanimously, and voted 
in full town meeting, that the clerk shall proceed in 
his office as usual, and the town will save him harm- 
less from all damage that he may sustain thereby." 
Soon after this, the citizens scornfully refused to receive 
the stamps, and burned Ingersoll, the stamp distributor, 
in effigy, upon the high hill overlooking the plain. 
No bolder spirit was manifested in Boston than in 
Norwicli. 

March 18, 1767, the anniversary of the repeal of the 
Stamp Act was celebrated by a number of gentlemen 
under Liberty Tree, with great festivity. This tree 
was erected in the centre of the open plain ; was very 
lofty, decked with standards and appropriate devices. 



208 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

and crowned with a cap. A tent, or booth, was erect- 
ed under it, called the Pavilion. Here, almost daily, 
people assembled to hear the news, make speeches 
and ciicoiuag-e each other in the determination to resist 
all oppression. 

Early in December of that year, the town received 
the famous Boston Circular from the selectmen, recom- 
mending the disuse of certain ennmeratcd articles of 
British production. A town meeting was immediately 
convened to consider the su!)ject, and a committee 
appointed to bring in a report, which was presented in 
less than half an hour, and an agreement entered into 
substantially the same as that of Boston, viz, — To dis- 
courage the use of tea, wines and spirituous liquors, 
china ware, superfluities of every kind, mourning appa- 
rel, and in general, all foreign manufactures. They 
recommended also the raising of sheep's wool, flax 
and hemp, and the establishing of domestic manufac- 
tures ; and that the citizens should especially promote 
those new manufactures that had been set up among 
them of paper, stone and eaithen ware. The report { 
closes in this manner : — 

" And it is strongly recommended to the worthy ladies of ■ 
this town that for the future they would omit tea-drinking I 
in the afternoon ; and to commission officers, to be moderate 
and frugal in their acknowledgments to their companies for f 
making choice of them as their ofBcers, which at this dis- 
tressing time will be more honorable than the usual lavish 
and extravagant entertainments heretofore given." — Voted 
unanimously Dec. 14, 1767, and ordered to be printed in the 
New London Gazette. 

The names of the Committee bringing in this report, 
will show who were the leading patriots of the town at j 
that time. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 209 

Hon. llezekiah Huntington, Mr, Gershom Breed, 

Hon. Jabez Huntington, Mr. Jeremiah Kinsman, 

Simon Tracy Esq. Elisha Fitch Esq. 

Capt. liichard Hide, Col. VVm". Whiting, 

Capt. Hugh Ledhe, Eben'r. HarLshorn Esq. 

Major John Durkie, Capt. Jabez Perkins, 

Mr. Isaac Tracy, T)r. Daniel Lathrop. 

It will be observed, that in this agreement there is 
an allusion to the infant manufactures of Norwich. It 
was the first town in the colony, and one of the first in 
New England, that commenced any regular manufac- 
turing establishments. Col. Christopher Leffingwell 
erected a Paper Mill in 1765, near Neman's acre. The 
Connecticut Gazette was first printed on paper from 
this factory, Dec. 12, 1766. If this was not the first 
paper manufactory established in the Colonies, it was 
certainly not far behind the first. Col. Lefiingwell was 
one of the most enterprising citizens of that period. 
He encouraged and aided several artizansand mechan- 
ics to' commence new kinds of business. Through his 
exertions a pottery for the making of stone and earthen 
war#w;is established, and the manufacture of pot and 
pearl ashes undertaken. 

Extensive iron works were soon nft( r est^1bli^hed in 
the upper })art of the town, by Elijtih Backus Esq.; 
and a second forge was erected on the Yanlic, three 
miles above that of Mr. Backus, by Mr. Nehemiah 
Huntington. Mechanics, such as carpenters, joiners, 
black-smiths, silver-smiths, shoe-makers, tailors, &c. 
were distributed in tolerably fair proportions, all over 
the town. There was one " Distiller of Geneva," and 
one " manufacturer of flower of mustar." Two taverns 
were kept upon the plain, by Jose})h Peck and Aza- 
riah Lathrop, and between Bean Hill and the Land- 
ing, there were six retail shops, containing assortments 



210 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

of dry goods and groceries. Lawyers were more nu- 
merous than at present, the bounduries of land being 
less strictly defined, and the customs of society, as 
well as the dispositions of men, leaning more towards 
litigation. Three of the physicians and surgeons were 
eminent in their line, viz. Drs. Turner, Tracy and I 
Perkins. In addition to these, there was in the Town [ 
Plot, "Dr. Jonathan Marsh, surgeon and bone-setter." ' 

This man was one of the self-installed members of 1 
the faculty. He died soon afterwards, but his widow * 
took another doctor into immediate partnership, and 
advertised tliat the business would be carried on as 
])efore, adding, — "she herself understands bone-set- 
ting." 

In the summer of 1768 a stage coach was established > 
between Norwich and Providence ; leaving Lathrop's ^ 
tavern eveiy Wednesday morning, and forming a 
weekly line. This was the first public conveyance upon 
this route. 

June 7, 1768, an entertainment was given at Peck's 
tavern,* adjoining Liberty Tree, to celebrate the elec- \ 
tion of Wilkes to Parliament. The principal citizens, 
both of town and landing assembled on this festive 
occasion. All the furniture of the table, such as plates, 
l)owIs, tureens, tumblers and napkins, were marked 
"No. 45." This was the famous number of the 
"North Briton," edited by Wilkes, w^hich rendered 
him so ol)noxious to the ministry. The Tree of Liberty 
was decked with new emblems, among which, and 
conspicuously surmounting the whole, w^as a flag era- l 
blazoned with " No. 45, Wilkes &, Liberty." 

In September of that year another festival was held 
at the same place, in mockery of tlie pompous proceed- i 

* This was in the lonuf house on the Plain, owned by Bela Peck Esq., i 
not occupied for a tavern since the revolution. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 211 

ings of the Commissioners of Customs, appointed for 
the colonies by the British Ministry. These Commis- 
sioners had published a list of holidays to be observed 
by all persons in their employ, and among them was 
" S(ptemher 8t/i,'^ the anniversary of the date of their 
commission. The citizens of Norwich were resolved 
to make it a holiday also. At the conclusion of the 
banquet, toasts were drank, and at the end of every 
one was added, 

" And the 8th of September." 
Thus : " The King and the 8th of September." 

" Wilkes and Liberty and the 8th of September." 
" The famous 92 and the 8th of September." 

Songs were also sung with this chorus ; nor did the 
assembly disperse without indignant speeches made 
against " British mis-government," and the disgrace 
of wearing a foreign yoke. 

October 4. A town meeting was called to consider 
" the critical and alarming conjuncture of affairs." This 
was a full assembly, and all hearts were warm and unan- 
imous. There was no need of discussion or debate. 
The record of the meeting in the Town Book is in- 
scribed upon the niargin with the word 

"Liberty! Liberty! Liberty!" 
three times repeated. This word alone shows the 
spirit that pervaded the assembl}'. They passed a vote 
of cordial approbation of the measures of the Bostoni- 
ans, saying — 

" We consider the noble cause they are engaged in 
as the common cause of our country, and will unite 
both heart and hand in support thereof, against all ene- 
mies whatsoever." Tliey also instructed their repre- 
sentatives, Joseph Tracy and Elisha Fitch, to use their 
influence at the approaching session of the legislature, 
to carry the followmg points : 



212 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

1. That the Colony Treasury accounts be settled. 

2. That the true state of the Treasury be made known. 

3. That the colonels have a special muster and review of 
their respective regiments. 

4. That encouragement be given to manufactures. 

5. That union with the neighboring colonies be promoted. 

6. That the debates be open. 
January 29, 1770. 

The margin of the public record is again emblazoned 
with Liberty ! Liberty ! The following is an extract 
from the resolutions then passed. 

" We give this public testimony of our hearty and unani- 
mous approbation of the agreement the merchants have en- 
tered into, to stop the importation of British goods ; we will 
frown upon all who endeavour to frustrate these good designs, 
and avoid all correspondence and dealings with those mer- 
chants who shall dare to violate these obligations." 

They proceeded to choose two diligent and dis- 
creet persons from each society, in addition to the 
Merchant's Committee, to make critical inspection into ^ 
the conduct of all buyers and selleis of goods, who ) 
were to publish the names of those that should coun- 
teract the intent and meaning of the non-importation | 
agreement, to the intent that such persons might be > 
exposed to the odium and resentment of the people. 
They also recommend to the wealthy persons in town \ 
to enter into subscriptions for setting up and carrying I 
on the making of nails, stocking-weaving, and other j 
useful branches of mamifacture, and every one in his 
respective sphere of action to encourage and promote 
industry and frugality. 

In August, repeated meetings were convened for the 
same purpose ; that is, to devise methods to support the ; 
non-importation agreement, which was the leading \ 
measure of the day. They declare their fixed opinion 
of the wisdom and importance of this measure ; — "that 



HISTORY OF NORWICH, 213 

they will " spare no pains to give it a fixed and solid 
form, by following every breach thereof with the full 
weight of their indignation, and withholding all com- 
merce from any who dare to violate it ;" and that they 
are " both grieved and incensed at the alarming conduct 
or New York in violating the same." 

Elijah Backus, Esq., and Capt. Jedediah Hunting- 
ton were selected to represent the mercantile and 
landed interest, at a meeting proposed to be iield in 
New Haven, the day after the college commencement, 
to resolve on measures to support this agreement. 

Let it not be supposed that all this spirit evaporated 
in votes and public speeches ; there is abundant evi- 
dence that the action was suited to the word, and not 
a threat retnrned void. The committees of inspection 
were exceedingly vigilant; the lady who continued to 
indulge in her cup of tea, or the gentleman in his glass 
of brandy, were obliged to do it by stealth. Any per- 
son who was found to have violated the agreement, 
had his name posted in hand-bills through the town, 
and published in the New London Gazette, a proceed- 
ing usually folloAved by insults, at least from the boys 
and populace. As the citizens were so strenuous upon 
this subject, it may be gratifying to curiosity to see a 
list of the articles specifically enumerated in the pledge 
not to " import, purchase, or use, if produced or man- 
ufactured out of North America." 

Loaf sugar, Wrought plate, 

SnufF, Gloves, 

Mustard, Shoes, 

Starch, Women's hats, 

■ Malt Liquors, Men's hats, except felts. 

Linseed oil, Mulls, tippets, and ermine. 

Cheese, Lawns and gauze, 

Tea, Sewing silk. 

Wine, Women's and children's stays, 

19 



214 HISTORY OF NOilWICH. 

Spiritous liquors. Broadcloths above 9s. 6d. per 
Cordage, yard, 

Anchors, Cambrics above 5s. 

Sole leather. Linens above 2s. 6f/. 

Deck nails, Silks of all kinds except taffety, 

Clocks, Silk handkerchiefs, 

Jew^eller's ware, Silk and cotton velvets, 
Gold and silver buttons, All sorts of head-dress for wo- 
Gold and silver lace, men, as caps, ribbons, flow- 

Thread lace, ers, feathers, and turbans, 

/ As an example of the proceedings of the Committee, 
the case of Mr. Ebenezer Punderson may be cited. 
This person was a man of good manners and education, 
who kept a school upon the plain ; but whose name 
was posted through the town with the charge of hav- 
ing repeatedly drank tea, and being questioned about 
it, declared that he would continue to do so. He said, 
moreover, that Congress was an unlawful combination, 
and their petition to his majesty haughty, violent, and 
impertinent, and uttered other words indicating disre- 
gard of the Continental association. The Committee 
thereupon ordered " That no trade, commerce, deal- 
ings, or intercourse whatever be carried on with him, 
but that he ought to be held as unworthy the rights of 
freeman, and inimical to the liberties of his country." 
This had the desired effect. A public recantation was 
made by Punderson, who averred that he was sorry for 
what he had done, and would drink no more tea until 
the use should be fully approved in North America; 
moreover, that he would no more vilify Congress, nor 
do any thing against the liberties and privileges of 
America. 

Great exertions were made about this time to estab- 
lish regular posts, and snfe transportation lines through 
the colonies. Norwich was not behindhand in this 
business. In addition to the reirular stasre route to 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 215 

Providence, individuals were engaged to ride weekly 
to all the larger cities in the vicinity, conveying letters, 
papers, memorandums, and small hinidles. No effect- 
ive system, however, was estal)lish('d in concert with 
otiier parts of the country, till May, 1774. At that 
time Mr. William Goddard, a dislinguislied printer, of 
Baltimore, arrived in town, being on a tour through 
the northern colonies to engage the friends of liberty 
to abolish "the illegal and oppressive parliamentary 
post ol'iice, and establish a provincial subscription post." 
Mr. Goddard held a conference with some of the citi- 
zens, who entered readily into his plans, and a regular 
weekly communication was forthwith established be- 
tween Norwich and Boston. Mr. Moses Cleveland, a 
trusty and active person, was engaged as the post, to 
leave Norwich on Thursday, reach Boston on Saturday, 
and stait the next Monday for Norwich again. This 
was the first regular post between the two places. 

The manufactures of the place were now becoming 
important. Stocking weaving, which had been intro- 
duced in 1771, under the patronage of Col. Leffing- 
well, was a considerable business. The first operator 
was William Russell ; afterward it was carried on by 
William Cox. At a later period it passed into other 
hands, and was continued in the town until 1825. 

In 1773, Mr. Thomas Harland, from London, com- 
menced the business of clock and watch making. He 
taught a number of apprentices, who established them- 
selves in other places, and thus, through his means, 
the business became extensively spread in the sur- 
rounding country. This very ingenious artisan also 
constructed, in 1778, without any model, the first fire 
engin<' used in Norwich. [Mr. Harland died in 1807, 
aged sevent3'-one.] 

The comb-making business was established in 1773 



216 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

by Noah Hidden, near the raeeting-house. Mr. Alvan 
Fosdick about the same period undertook the manu- 
facture of Cards, for the breaking of wool and form- 
ing it into rolls, but the enterprize was not very suc- 
cessful. More extensive and cheaper factories else- 
where soon put a stop to it in Norwich. The manu- 
facture of cut shingle nails from old iron hoops was 
also commenced and continued during the war. It 
was a small business, but merits notice from its being 
one of the first attempts in this country to make nails 
in a way less slow and tedious tlian the old operation 
of hammering them out of solid iron. 

At the Landing, a tape weaver, from Manchester, 
(England,) by the name of Zurishaddai Key, set up a 
tape factory; Messrs. Hubbard and Greene, of Boston, 
opened an insurance office, and Samuel Loudon, from 
New York, established a bookseller's shop ; the first in 
that society. In the town there were already two 
booksellers' shops, one kept by Nathaniel Patten, and 
the other by John Trumbull, but the assortments were 
limited. 

In 1773, the first newspaper was established in Nor- 
wich. This was an important measure, as it respected 
the business of the town, and it gave the Sons of Lib- 
erty an organ of their own, through which they could 
breathe the spirit of patriotism into other minds. The 
first numbers contained a series of well-written patri- 
otic essays, entitled "The Alarm," and signed Hamp- 
den. They were written by a distinguished patriot of 
New York, and were directed against East India mo- 
nopolies, the importation and use of Tea, and the De- 
claratory and Revenue Acts of Parliament. Many 
other spirited addresses appeared from time to time in 
this paper, calculated to cherish and inflame the grow- 
ing desire for political freedom. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 217 

This paper was called " The Norwich Packet, and 
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New 
Hampshire Weekly Advertiser," — an imposing title 
and making pretensions to a wide circulation. It was 
printed b}^ " Alexander Robertson, James Robertson, 
and John Trumbull, at their Printing Office, near the 
Court House, at 6s. 8d. per annum." The printers 
were also the editors and conducted the paper with 
considerable shrewdness and ability. Tlie Robertsons, 
after the war, withdrew from the concern, but the junior 
editor Trumbull, continued the paper for many years 
alone, and on his death left it to his sons. Mr. Trum- 
bull died in 1802, and was the first person buried with 
masonic honors in Norwich. 

In some of the first numbers of this paper, we find 
proposals issued for publishing "An American Maga- 
zine;" also, "Watts' Psalms and Hymns," neatly 
bound and gilt on the back for I5. 8. The New Eng- 
land Almanac, calculated for the meridian of Norwich, 
by Lemuel Warren, Philom : The New England 
Grammer, by Jacob Avery, school-master at Poquetan- 
noc : " The History of Louisiana, or the western parts 
of Virginia and Carolina : " The Conquest of Canada 
or siege of Quebec, &c. &c. Marriages were notified 
in such terms as these : 

" Last Thursday evening, Mr. Mundator Tracy an accom- 
plished young gentleman, was married to the agreeable Car- 
oline Bushnell, a young lady endowed with every qualifica- 
tion to make the connubial state happy." 

" John Chester, Esq. of Wethersfield, to the amiable Miss 
Elizabeth Huntington, dau"" of Col. Jabez Huntington." 

Deaths in this way : 

" On Friday last, departed this life at Pomechoag, her 
saffron colored majesty, Ann Queen Dowager, of the Mohe- 
19* 



218 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

gan Indians, and yesterday her remains were interred in a 
manner suitable to her high rank, in the Indian burying 
ground at Chelsea." 

As the older files of this paper are very scarce, a few 
more items from them may not be uninteresting. — 
They will serve to illustrate the times : 

May 2, 1774. A great military parade took place at 
Woodstock, accompanied by a mock fight, under the direc- 
tion of Capt. Samuel M'Clellan. A party dressed as Indi- 
ans, seized upon some children who were looking on, and 
ran off with them, but were pursued by the troop and the 
children rescued. 

Oct. 28. The season has been so very mild, that a mess 
of green peas was picked the last week in this town, sponta- 
neously grown from seed produced this year. 

Dec. 13. The officers and soldiers who belonged to Gen. 
Lyman's regiment of Provincials, and were at the taking of 
Havannah, are notified to meet at the house of Mr. John 
Durgie Innholder, in Norwich, to enquire why the last divi- 
dend of their prize money has not been paid, &c. 

Feb. 10. Yesterday, Mr. James Burnam, of this town, 
brought to market a sled load of wood which completes the 
number of 2,500 loads, which he has drove in himself, 4 
miles, and sold since 1754. A great part he cut himself — 
all but 50 loads on his oM'n land — all which he has done 
without vipsettlng a cart, breaking a wheel or sled, bruising 
a finger, or injuring an ox or horse by any wound. He sold 
his wood for £820 : — has about 5 times as much more on 
his land, which he intends leav^iug for some other person to 
cart and draw, he having done his full share that way. He 
has also expended 500 days of labour on 2 acres of land, in 
subduing and fencing it. 

April — Dr. Turner has recently extracted the bone of 
an alewife from the throat of Mr. Ebenezer Lord, where it 
had been lodged for 25 years, and at various times had given 
him exquisite pain. It was about the size of a browa 
thread needle and was barbed from end to end. ' 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 219 

July 7, 1774. To all those who call themselves Sons of 
Liberty in America, Greeting : — 

My Friends. We know in some good measure the ines- 
timable value of liberty. But were we once deprived of her, 
she would then appear much more valuable than she now 
appears. We also see her, standing as it were tiptoe on the 
highest bough ready for lliglit. Why is she departing ? 
What is it that disturbs her repose ? Surely some foul 
monster of hideous shape, and hateful kind, opposite in its 
nature to hers, with all its frightful appearances and proper- 
ties, iron hands and leaden feet, formed to gripe and crush, 
hath intruded itself into her peaceful habitation and ejected 
her. Surely this must be the case, for we know oppositions 
cannot dwell together. Is it not time, high time to search 
for this Achan f this disturber of Israel ? High time, I say, 
to examine for the cause of those dark and gloomy appearan- 
ces that cast a shade over our glory. And is not this it ? 
Are we not guilty of the same crime we impute to others .' 
Of the same facts that we say are unjust, cruel, arbitrary, 
despotic, and without law, in others .? Paul argued in this 
manner : — " Thou therefore that teachest another, teachest 
thou not thyself.^ Thou that preachest a man should not 
steal, dost thou steal .? Thou that makest thy boast of the 
law, through breaking the law, dishonorest thou God .' " 
And may we not use the same mode of argument and say — 
We that declare (and that with much warmth and zeal) it is 
unjust, cruel, barbarous, unconstitutional and without law, 
to enslave, do ice cndnve ? — Yes, verily we do. A black 
cloud witncsscth against us and our otvn mouths condann us. 
How preposterous our conduct ! How vain and hypocritical 
our pretences ! Can we expect to be free, so long as we are 
determined to enslave .? Honesty. 

Boston, Jan. 17, 1775. Tuesday last the Princess Caro- 
line Matilda, alias Princess of Cronenburgh, alias Marchi- 
ness of Waldegrave, who has travelled through all the 
Southern Provinces, set out, from hence for Portsmouth, N. 
H. She is the most surprising genius of the female sex that 
was ever obliged to visit America. 

June 6, 1774, a town-meeting was convened on that 
oft-repealed plea, " to take into consideration the mel- 
ancholy situation of our civil, constitutional liberties, 
rights and privileges, which are threatened with de- 



220 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

struction." The citizens at first assembled in the 
court-house, but were obliged to adjourn to the meet- 
ing-house in order to accommodate the large concourse 
of people who came together. The Hon. Jabez Hun- 
tington was chosen moderator, and a series of patriotic 
resolutions drawn up by Capt. Joseph Trumbull, and 
Samuel Huntington, Esq., were passed, almost by 
acclamation, and a standing committee of correspond- 
ence appointed, consisting of 

Capt. Jedidiah Huntington, Capt. VYm, Hubbard, 
Chr. Leffingwell Esq., Capt. Joseph Trumbull. 

Dr. Theophilus Rogers, 

These were some of the leading patriots of the day, 
whose images still linger, beloved and honored in the 
memories of the aged. Samuel Himtington was after- 
wards President of Congress, and Governor of Connect- 
icut ; Jedidiah, aid-de-camp to Washington, and Brig- 
adier General in the U. S. service : William Hid^bard 
was a gentleman greatly revered for his benevolence 
and philanthropy. He neither commenced nor ended 
his life in Norwich, but during his long residence there, 
promoted in various ways the honor and prosperity of 
the town. His charities to the poor, and his liberal 
subscriptions to all works of public utih'ty, were such 
as frequently to call forth votes of thanks from the 
town. He was a gentleman of the old school of po- 
liteness, bringing with him and preserving while here, 
the best style of Boston manners, 

Capt. Joseph Trumbull was a very amiable and 
promising young man, who had settled in Norwich as 
an attorney. He was a native of Lebanon, the young- 
est son of Gov. Trumbull, and entered with character- 
istic ardor and singleness of heart into all the measures 
of the Sons of Liberty. He was a member of the 
Conn. Council of Safety, and afterwards Commissary 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 221 

in tlie colonial army. The hopes of his friends, Avho 
expected much from liis talents and inlcgrit}^, and 
whose affections were fondly fixed npon his person, 
were blasted by his untimely death. In the eulogy 
pronounced at his funeral, g^reat praise is awarded to 
his abilities, his patriotism and his moral worth, audit 
is added, " In all the winning- and ngretvible arts of 
life, he had no superior." These qualities accoimt for 
the tender attachment of his friends, and the himcnta- 
tions that were uttered on his death. 

July 4, 1774. Mr. Francis Green, an eminent mer- 
chant of Boston, being on a journey into Connecticut, 
in order, as he stated, to collect debts and transact 
some private business, put up at a tavern in Wind- 
ham. This g-entleman was a loyalist, and of course 
obnoxious to the sons of liberty, who affected to be- 
lieve that he had some sinister designs in this journey. 
He had been stigmatized in the patriotic papers as " one 
of that insidious crew who fabricated and signed the 
adulatory address to strengthen the hands of that par- 
ricidal tool of despotism, Thomas Hutchinson." The 
patriots of Windham were no sooner aware of his pres- 
ence, than they proceeded to show their displeasure. 
Assembling early in the morning, they surrounded the 
tavern, uttering shouts of insult and threats of exalting- 
him upon a cart, unless he instantly left their precincts. 
This he did without delay, being followed with hoots 
and execrations. An express had been previously 
despatched to Norwich, with information that he was 
bound thither. The whole town was moved with this 
intelligence, and the sexton was ordered to give notice 
of his arrival l)y ringing the bell. Mr. Green's car- 
riage, therefore, no sooner stopped at Lathrop's tavern, 
than the bell rang an alarm, and the citizens were in 
an uproar. 



222 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

The plain was soon alive with the concourse, and a 
message was transmitted to Mr. Green, giving him his 
choice, to depart in fifteen minutes, or to be driven out 
on a cart. He was very reluctant to go ; pleaded 
business ; that he had debts in town to collect, and 
stepping out upon the green, attempted to address the 
people : whereupon Capt. Simeon Huntington, a very 
stout man, collared him and called him rascal. By 
this time a horse and cart, with a high scaffolding in 
it for a seat, made its appearance, and demonstrations 
of lifting him to this conspicuous station being made, 
Mr. Green took the most prudent course, entered his 
carriage, and amid shouts and hissings drove off; a 
part of the populace following him with drums beating 
and horns blowing, till he was fairly out of their pre- 
cincts. On his return to Boston, Mr. Green offered 
one hundred dollars reward, for the apprehension "of 
an}^ of the ruffians who had forced him to leave Wind- 
ham and Norwich, particularly for Capt. Simeon Hun- 
tington." This advertisement was a subject of merri- 
ment to the good people of Norwich, who republished 
it in hand-bills, and hawked it about town with a run- 
ning commentary. 

About this time subscriptions were made in various 
towns in Connecticut, for the poor of Boston. Nor- 
wich sent on a noble donation, consisting of cash, 
wheat, corn, and a flock of three hundred and ninety 
sheep. This liberality was greatly applauded in the 
public prints. 

The sympathy felt for the Bostonians was yet further 
displayed by the spirit manifested in September of 
this year, on the leception of a piece of intelligence 
which proved to be false, of a rupture between them 
and the royal troops. On Saturday, Sept. 3, at four. 
P. M. an express arrived from Col, Israel Putnam, thnt 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 223 

Boston had been attacked the night before, and six of 
the citizens killed. This was but a rumor, yet it 
caused the greatest consternation ; the citizens assem- 
bled around Liberty Tree, then adjourned to the 
Court-house, and resolved to despatch an express to 
Providence. Mr. David Nevins volunteered on this 
service, as he had on many similar occasions, and de- 
parted at eight, P. M. On Sunday morning, four hun- 
dred and sixty-four men, well armed, and the greater 
part mounted on good horses, started for Boston, under 
the command of Maj. John Durkee, and rendezvoued 
at Capt. Burnham's inn, seven miles from town. Here 
at eleven o'clock, A. M., they were met by Mr. Nevins, 
on his return from Providence, with intelligence that 
the report was without foundation. Upon which they 
dispersed. That same morning, two hundred men, 
well armed and mounted, left Windham at sunrise, 
and had proceeded twenty or thirty miles, before they 
learned the falsity of the rumor. The people of Col- 
chester were attending divine service, when a messen- 
ger entered and announced the report that Boston had 
been attacked by the troops. The minister immedi- 
ati'ly suspended the service, and all the men al)le to 
bear arms, equipped themselves and marched. It was 
supposed that upwards of 20,000 men, from this colony 
alone, were on the march to Boston that day. 

September 8. A convention of delegates from the 
counties of New London and Windham, met at Nor- 
Avich to consider the necessity of revising the militia 
laws. Of this meeting the Hon. Gurdon Saltonslall 
was chairman, and Col. William Williams, of Lebanon, 
clerk.* 

* For the resolutions passed at this convention, see Hinman's " His- 
torical Collection of the part sustained by Connecticut in the War of 
the Revolution." Hanford, 1842. 



224 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

In October, the General Court of the Colony ordered, 
that all the militia should be called out for drill twelve 
half days before the next May. No regiment of mili- 
tia had at this time ever been reviewed east of Con- 
necticut river; the trainings had all been by compa- 
nies. In the town were three companies, that were 
mustered together upon the plain, under Captains Jed- 
idiah Huntington, Samuel Wheat, and Isaac Tracy. 
One at Chelsea, under Capt. Gershom Breed. In the 
autumn of 1774, the General Court ordered that Nor-, 
wich should comprise the 20th regiment of infantry, - 
and appointed Jedidiah Huntington, Lt. Colonel of the 
same ; who gave notice that a regimental training 
would be held at Norwich on the first Monday of the 
next May. But before that time arrived, a great part 
of the men were in actual service near Boston, and the 
review was relinquished. 

There was no regular uniform for the militia of the 
state at that period, nor for many years afterw^ards. 
Rifle frocks and trowsers were much worn, mostly 
white with colored fringes. One of the words of com- 
mand in training was "Blow off the loose corns;" 
and before and after the command to " Poise arms," 
came " Put your right hand to the firelock " — "■ Put 
your left hand to the firelock." An odd kind of aspi- 
rate was sometimes used after a conunand ; thus 
" Shoulder! hoo ! " The great object in the exercises 
then was to make the soldier familiar with his gun ; 
that he might charge quick and aim sure. Now the 
trainings consist much moie in maneuvering, wheel- 
ing, marching, &c. Instead of firelock, arjns is used. 

During the winter the town passed a vote approving 
and adopting the measures proposed by the Continen- 
tal Congress at Philadelphia, and at the same time they 
ordered a quantity of military stores to be purchased. 



HISTORY OF Norwich, 225 

Sucli was the unaniinity of the citizens, that through 
the whole revolutionary struggle, tiieir proceedings 
were principally town-wise. They were not obliged 
to have such continual recourse to the committees of 
Correspondence and Safety, nor to invest them with 
such arbitrary powers as was done in most parts of the 
country. The public acts were all municipal, the dis- 
senting voices few and weak, and very little change 
took place in laws or officers. The town was an inde- 
pendent community, actuated by a single impulse, 
swayed only by a Governor whom they loved, and a 
Congress Avhich they revered. 

^ March 28, 1775. In full town-meeting the follow- 
ing resolution was passed : 

" Whereas numbers of persons are removing from the 

town of Boston to this place and others may remove : 

Voted, that this town request the select-men and committee 
of inspection to take effectual care that none of the addresses 
to Gov. Hutchinson or any others who have evidenced 
themselves to be inimical to the common cause of America, 
be admitted or suffered to reside in this town, unless they 
shall produce a proper certificate from the Provincial Con- 
gress that they have altered their conduct in such a manner 
as to give full satisfaction." 

Among the persons alluded to in the above pream- 
ble, that at this time removed their families to Nor- 
wich, where they remained during the greater part of 
the succeeding contest, were some of the Hubbards 
Greenes and Philipses of Boston, the Malbones of New- 
port, and Col. Moore, afterwards a Commissary in the 
Colonial army. 

The attention of the whole country was at this time 
turned towards Boston ; tiie Norwich Packet was rife 
with such remarks as these : 

20 



226 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

" Boston is now reduced to an alarming crisis, big with 
important events. Like a new piece of ordnance, deeply 
charged for the trial of its strength ; we listen with atten- 
tion to hear its convulsed explosion, suspending ourselves in 
mysterious doubt, whether it will burst with dreadful hav- 
ock, or recoil upon the engineers to their great confusion." 
" The blocking up of Boston is like turning the tide of a 
murmuring river upon the whole land, and thereby spread- 
ing a dangerous inundation through the continent, for resent- 
ment already flows high at New York, Philadelphia, and 
the southern towns, and if it join with the flux at Boston, it 
may occasion a sea of troubles." 

The explosion waited for in such dread suspense at 
length broke upon the land. The battle of Lexington 
commenced early on Wednesday morning-, April 19. 
The news arrived in Norwich by an express from 
Woodstock in the afternoon of the next day. The 
facts were greatly exaggerated and the public sym- 
pathy highly excited. Mr. Nevins, with his usual 
promptness, again mounted and proceeded to Prov- 
idence after correct information, returning on Sat- 
urday evening. Handbills were immediately struck 
off and dispersed through the town before day break 
the next morning. 

At this time volunteers were almost daily departing 
for the army at Cambridge, in squads of two, three 
and four ; and in May, a company of one hundred 
choice men, raised under the superintendance of Col. 
John Durkee, a bold Bean-hill man, maiched in 
charge of Lieut. Joshua Huntington to the scene of 
action, and w^ere annexed to Gen. Putnam's regiment. 
This company under the command of Col. Durkee 
[field officers in these enlistments frequently performed 
the duties of Captains,] was in the battle of Bunker 
Hill, in camp during the succeeding winter on Pros- 
pect and Cobb's Hills, accompanied the army to New 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 227 

York in March, endured all the hardships of the retreat 
through the Jcrsies, fouglit at Gerinantown, &c. &c. 
Mr. David Nevins, one of the veterans of this band, 
to whom we have already repeatedly alluded, was 
perhaps its last survivor. He lived to enjoy a green 
old age, and having surpassed his ninetieth year, died 
among his children in New York in 1838. 

Col. John Durkee died in 1782, aged 54. 

Lieut. Andrew Griswold, another of this band, was 
a grandson of Deacon Joseph Griswold, and a very 
brave and spirited soldier. He fought at Bunker Hill 
and in several other severe engagements, until a ball 
in the knee, received at the battle of Gerinantown, dis- 
a!)led him from further service. He died in 1827, 
aged 72. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



Bird's eye View of a scene in Norwich. 1775. 

Suppose it to be that Sunday in June which suc- 
ceeded the battle of Bunker Hill. It is 10 o'clock, 
and the second bell has just commenced ringing-. The 
inhabitants are gathering slowly and solemnly to the 
house of worship. From Bean Hill come a throng of 
Backiises, Hydes, Rogerses, Wheats, Tracys, Thomas- 
es, Griswolds. Here and there is a one horse chaise, 
almost large enough for a bed-room, square-bottomed, 
and studded with brass nails, looking something like a 
chest of drawers or an antique book-case on wdieels. 
Those stout-looking men on horseback with women 
and children upon pillions behind, are reputable farm- 
ers from Waweekus and Plain Hills. That young 
man with such erect form and attractive countenance, 
is Dr.Elihu Marvin, unconscious that he alone of all this 
population is to be the victim of a future pestilence, 
that will nearly desolate a neighboring city. That 
one with the staid demeanor and grave aspect, whose 
hair is already silvered witli age, is deacon Griswokl, 
destined to live nearly to the confines of another cen- 
tury. 

Farther down, the stream is increased by tlie families 
of the philanthropic Dr. Elisha Tracy and Dr. Philip 
Turner, the suigeon, and Elisha Hyde, an enthusiastic 
young attorney, and Mr. Billy Waterman and Mr. Jo. 
Waterman. Many of the foot people have tinned off 



HISTORY OF NORAVICH. 229 

by the willow tree, and ascending the rocks, proceed 
by a rude pathway, once the beaten road that led to 
the ancient meeting-house upon the hill; others pin- 
sue their way through the town streel, winding under 
the eaves of precipitous rocks till they reach the church. 

But see, from opposite quarters are advancing the 
Lathrops, Huntingtons, Lefifingwells, Tracys, Adgates, 
Blisses, Reynoldses, Baldwins, Pecks, Trumbulls, &c. 
There is a very aged man in a white wig, creeping 
slowly along, supported by a staff in either hand ; it 
is the venerable Deacon Simon Tracy. The respect- 
able group that accompany him are his descendants. 
Samuel Tracy Esq., b.is son, he also a man of mature 
age, and his wife Sybil, are among them. You may 
see other men in white wigs ; some five or six in all. 
Dr. Daniel Latbrop wears one; he has just rode up to 
the church Avith his dignified companion, the daughter 
of old Gov. Talcott. 

There comes the Hon. Samuel Huntington, Judge of 
the Superior Court and recently elected member of the 
Continental Congress, with his wife and their adopted 
children : there too is the patriotic Gen. Jabez Hun- 
tington and his five sons, two of them attended by their 
children, and the family of the late Hon. Hezekiah 
Huntington, and other Huntingtons and Lathrops and 
Tracys innumerable. 

Around the Plain, every threshhold seems to be 
simultaneously crossed; the two taverns kept by Aza- 
riah Latbrop and Joseph Peck pour forth a goodly 
number. Mr, Ben. Butler and his family and Mr. 
Joseph Carew are coming up on one side, and Mr. 
Elly Lord and bis two daughters are just passing the 
Court-house. And see, the Parsonage door opens, and 
the venerable pastor comes forth, and slowly walks to 
the church and up the broad aisle, tottering as he as- 
20* 



230 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

cends the pulpit stairs. How reverend are the curls 
of that white wig ! The very wig- which he wore some 
twenty years previous, when the old Rogerene so 
abusively followed him into meeting, exclaiming : — 
"Benjamin ! Benjamin ! dost thou think that they wear 
white wigs in heaven!" And again: "Benjamin! 
thou att a sinner ! thou wearest a white wig !" 

Old Deacon Tracy, too, is assisted up tliose stairs 
and takes h'is seat by his minister, that his deaf ears 
may receive some few of the w^ords of salvation. 

Below the pulpit, in the broad aisle, are chairs and 
cushioned benches, where a few old people sit; the 
gallery, is filled with the young, and with a choir of 
singers, which though mainly made up of young peo- 
ple, have several grave men and women for their 
leaders. 

The services commence ; the sermon contains many 
pointed allusions to the critical state of affairs, and eyes 
sparkle and hearts throb, ns the pastor sanctifies the 
cause of liberty by mingling it with the exercises of 
religion, and justifies resistance to oppiession liy argu- 
ments from scripture. Just as tlic sermon is finished, 
a loud shout is heard upon the plain, the trampling of 
a hurried horse, an outcry of alarm, which l)rings the 
• audience upon their feet: uproar enters the porch, the 
bell is violently rung, several persons rush into the body 
of the church, and amid the confusion nothing can be 
heard ; but " a battle ! a battle has taken plnce on 
Bunker Hill: the British are beat ; hurrah! hurrah!" 
Tile meeting is broken up amid noisy shouts of " Huz- 
zah for Boston ! Huzza for libeity!" The audience 
rush out upon the plain, and gather round the panting 
courier : his despatches are read aloud, — rejoicing and 
indignation, patriotism and military fire, hatred of 
British tyranny and defiance of British power take 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 231 

the place of those quiet devotional feelings, with wliich 
they assembled togetiier. 

That nig-ht, bells were rung-, cannons were fired, 
bonfires blazed far and wide, and the Tree of Liberty 
was decked with triumphant devices. Enlistments 
too were begun, arms were burnished, addresses made, 
and lories insulted ; nor even by these and a hundred 
other exuberant demonstrations of excited feeling-, 
could the agitated minds of tlie people be scarcely 
appeased. 

Among the audience tliat day, was a poor German 
basket-maker, named John Malotte, a deserter from 
the English army tliat took Canada, some few years 
before, who, wandering thiough the wilderness, had 
come down into the northern part of Norwich, and 
there pursued the humble occupation w^iich he fol- 
lowed in his native land, before he had been impressed 
as a soldier, and sent away to fight the battles of a for- 
eign power. He was at this time but a spectator of 
the enthusiasm of others, but he too loved liberty ; he 
treasured up the scene, and more than forty years after- 
wards, described it for (he amusement of a child, in 
such vivid colors, that the above picture is but a remem- 
bered transcript of his recollections. 

Among the audience that day, were doubtless two^ 
if not more, who did not sympathize in these patriotic 
proceedings, and were therefore stigmatized as lories 
and grumbletonians, viz : Mr. Thomas Lefiingwell and 
Mr. Benjamin Butler, lioth men of talent and respecta- 
bility, wiio remained loyal to the king during the whole 
contest. They were of course exposed to many insults, 
public and private, proscctitcd, imprisoned, threatened 
with the skimmerton, and their goods impressed. Mr. 
Leffingwell was the fourth, in a right line, from the 
first settler of that name. Mr. Butler emigrated from 



232 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Hampton. He was arrested and imprisoned in 1776, 
on a charge of "defaming the Honorable Continental 
Congress." His trial came on before the Superior 
Court at New London, and the fact being proved, he 
was prohibited from wearing arms, and declared inca- 
pable of holding office. 

Mr. Butler regarded this sentence with indifference. 
He was a man of strong sense and original humor, and 
his company was much sought after on that account. 
He died of a lingering disease in tlie year 1787. A 
few years before, while in good health, he had selected 
a sapling, to have his coffin made of it when it should 
grow large enough ; but finding that it increased too 
slowly, he had the coffin constructed of other wood, 
and kept for a long time this affecting memento of his 
end constantly in his chaml)er. As he pined away, 
he would frequently put his hands upon his knees and 
say, " See how the mallets grow! " He lies interred 
in the Norwich grave yard; his wife Diadema, and his 
two daughters, Rosamond and Minerva, repose by his 
side. " Alas, poor human nature !" is the expressive 
molto engraved by his own direction, upon liis head- 
stoiie. His family removed from Norwich, to Oxford, 
N. Y. The accomplished lady of Commodore John 
Rogers, was one of his grand-children. 

In April, 1776, the army from Boston, on their route 
to New York, passed through Norwich. Here General 
Washington, by appointment, met Gov. Trumbull. 
They dined together at Col. Jedidiah Huntington's, 
and Washington proceeded that evening to New Lon- 
don. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Conliaualion of Revolutionary Events. 

Though not on the sea-boaid, nor particularly 
exposed (o invasion, the bustling scenes of war were 
exhibited in various parts of Norwich. 

Dr. Church, a prisoner of the Continental Congress, 
having been delivered by Gen. Washnigton into the 
hands of Gov. Trumbull for safe keeping, the latter 
directed him to be confined in the gaol at Norwich. 
He was accordingly conveyed thither and given into 
custody of Prosper Wetmore, Esq. Sherifl'of New Lon- 
don county. The orders respecting him were strict 
and minute. He was to be debarred the use of pen, 
paper and ink ; no person was allowed to converse 
with him except in the English language, and in pres- 
ence and hearing of a Magistrate or the Shcrill"; and 
he was not to go out of a close prison but once a week, 
. and then only with the Sheriff in person. Sul)scquen(- 
j ly for his further security, a high fence with pickets 
I Wiis built around the gaol. He was kept in Norwich 
from Nov. 1775, to the 27th of May 1776, and thenhy 
order of Congress was tiansported under charge of the 
Sheriff to Watertown, Massachusetts. 

Other prisoners of war, occasionally in large bands, 
v.ere brought hither for confinement. 

A battery and redoubt was built below the Landing 
on Waterman's point, for the defence of the place 
against invasion by way of the river : four six-pound- 



234 HISTORY OP NORWICH. 

ers from New London were planted here, and a regu- 
lar guard and watch kept. For further defence of the 
place two wrought iron field pieces, and several other 
pieces of ordnance were mounted, manned and placed 
in the charge of Capt. Jacob Do Witt. 

William Lax established a manufactory of gun- 
carriages in town, and succeeded so well as to be 
employed by the state to furnish apparatus for much 
of the cannon used by them. Elijah Backus, Esq. at 
his forges upon the Yantic, manufactured the ship 
anchors used for the State's armed vessels, two of which 
weighed 1200 pounds each. He afterwards engaged 
in the casting of cannon. 

In the summer of 1776 a row galley was built at 
Chelsea for the State, by Capt. Jonathan Lester. Her 
dimensions were " sixty feet keel, eighteen feet beam, 
five feet hold, and seven inches dead rising." The 
whole expense was j£861, 16*, Gd. She was named 
" The Shark," and the command given to Capt. The- 
ophilus Stanton, of Stonington. Capt. Harding, of 
the armed brig " Defence," and Capt. Robert Niles, of 
the armed schooner " Spy," both belonged in Nor- 
wich. After the completion of the Shark, Capt. Les- 
ter with twenty-five carpente/s under him, was sent 
by the Governor to Crown Point to build batteaux for 
the Lake, in compliance with a request of Gen. 
Schuyler. The Shark, in July 1776, at the urgent 
request of Gen. Washington, was sent to New York 
and left subject to his orders. 

In 1777, Congress ordered two frigates to be built in 
Connecticut, under the direction of the Governor and 
Council of Safety, one of 36 guns, the other of twenty- 
eight. The former was built at Gale Town, between 
Norwich and New London, under the superintendence 
of Capt. Joshua Huntington. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 235 

The Oliver Cromwell, owned by the Slate, was 
built at Saybrook, 1776, by Capt. Uriah Hayden, assist- 
ed by Capt. Harding. Its first connnander was Capt. 
William Coit; but he having resigned, Capt. Timothy 
Parker, of Norwich, was appointed to the command in 
September, 1777. 

Capt. Ephraim Bill, of Norwich, was in the service 
of the State as a marine agent, and Capt. Jabez Per- 
kins, as contractor and dispenser of the public stoics. 
The Governor and Council of Safety sometimes held 
their sessions in town. From these details it will be 
evident that the earlier years of the war, w^ere seasons 
of very general stir and enterprize in Norwich. 

In 1777, Connecticut raised eleven regiments ; nine 
for Continental service, and two for the defence of the 
State. Col. Jedidinh Huntington and Col. John Dur- 
kee of Norwich, commanded two of the Conlinental 
Regiments. On the decease of Gen. Wooster in that 
year, Jabez Huntington, Esq., (previously the second 
Major General,) was promoted to the office of Major 
General over the whole militia of the State. The five 
sons of Gen. Huntington, were all in the service of 
the country during the greater part of the war, cither 
as commissaries, purchasers, or soldiers in actual ser- 
vice. Col. Jedidiah Huntington raised some battalions 
for continental service, to serve during the war or for 
three years ; these were distinguished by a British uni- 
form ; the Stnte having appropriated to them a quan- 
lity of English red coats, taken in a prize vessel. 

In the earlier periods of the contest, the town's quo- 
ta of soldiers was always quickly raised, and the 
necessary supplies furnislied with promptness and lib- 
erality. The requisitions of the Governor were 
responded to from no quarter with more cheerfulness 
and alacrity. In September 1777, when extraordinaiy 



236 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

exertions were made in many parts of New England, 
to procure tents, canteens, and clothing for the army ; 
many householders in Norwich voluntarily gave up to 
the committee of the town, all that they could spare 
from their own family stock, either as donations, or 
where that could not be afforded, at a very low rate. 
The ministers of all the chuiches on thanksgiving 
day, exhorted the people to remember the poor soldiers 
and their families. 

In January 1778, a general contribution was made ! 
through the town for the army. The ladies, with great I 
industry, assembled to make garments, and bring in 
their gifts. The whole value of the collection was 1 
placed at a low estimate at ^61400 — [Continental mon- I 
ey, probabl}^ ; real value, uncertain.] 

" Cash, cE258 ; pork, cheese, wheat, rye, sugar, corn, rice, j 
flax, and wood in considerable quantities ; 386 pair of stock- 
ings, 227 do. of shoes, 118 shirts, 78 jackets, 48 j^qax over- 
alls, 15 do. breeches, 208 do. mittens, 11 buff-caps, 9 coats, . 
12 rifle frocks, and 19 handkerchiefs." . 

Every year while the war continued, persons were 
appointed by the town to provide for the soldiers and ! 
their families at the town expense ; but much also was • 
raised by voluntary contributions. '■ 

Those who remained at home as well as those who 
went into actual service, were often called on to per^ 
form military duty. When most of the able bodied 
men were drawn off, a Reformado corps was established; 
consisting of those whose age, infirmities, or other 
circumstances, would not allow them to become regu- 
lar soldiers, and endure the fatigue of the camp, but 
who were willing to go forth on a sudden emergency. 
The situation of New London was one of constant 
alarm, in which all the surrounding towns participa- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 237 

ted. It was first menaced in December 1776, when 
the hostile fleet found a rendezvous among the small 
Islands in the Sound, previous to taking possession of 
Newport. All the militia in the eastern part of the 
State turned out to oppose the expected descent. It 
was observed, as band after band marched into New 
London, that no company, in order and equipments, 
equalled the Light Infantry of Norwich, under the 
command of Col. Chr. LetFmgwell. The veteran 
guards also turned out at this time under Capt. John 
McKall ; they were soon after ordered to New York. 
Many times during the war, the militia were summon- 
ed to New London or Stonington, on the appearance of 
an armed force, or the rumor of one. If a hostile 
vessel entered the Sound, no one knew its commis- 
sion, and the alarju was quickly spread from the 
seaboard into the country. The dreaded foe perhaps 
hovered near the coast a few hours, made some start- 
ling feints, and then passed away. Orders were given 
and countermanded, and the wearied militia, hastily 
drawn from their homes, returned again without hav- 
ing had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy, or of 
arriving on the spot before the danger was over. 

Detachments from the Continental army frequently 
passed through Norwich. In 1778, a body of French 
troops on the route from Providence to the south, halted 
there for ten or fifteen days, on account of sickness 
among them. They had their tents spread upon the 
plain, while the sick were quartered in the court 
house. About twenty died and were buried each side 
of the lane that led into the old burying yard. No 
stones were set up, and the ground was soon smoothed 
over so as to leave no trace of the narrow tenements 
below. 

21 



238 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Gen. Washington several times passed tli rough, but 
never stopped longer than three or four hours at a 
time. The inhabitants also had an opportunity of see- 
ing La Fayette, Siuben, Pulaski, and other distinguish- 
ed foreigners then in our service. There were some 
who long remembered ihe appearance of the noble 
La Fayette, as he passed through the place on his way 
to Nevi^port. He had been there Ijefore and needed no 
guide ; his aids and a small body guard were with him, 
aiKl he rode up to the door of his fiiend, Gen. Jedidiah 
Huntington, in a quick gallop. He wore a blue mili- 
tary coat, Initno vest and no stocJdngs ; his boots being 
short, his leg was consequently left bare for a consid- 
erable space below the knee. The speed with which 
he was travelling, and the great heat of the weather, 
were sufficient excuses for this negligence. He took 
some refreshment and hastened forward. 

At another period, he passed through with a detach- 
ment of 2000 men under his command, and encamped 
them for one night upon the plain. In the morning, 
before their departure, he invited Mr. Strong, the pas- 
tor of the place, to pray with them, which he did, the 
troops being arranged in three sides of a hollow square. 

Nearly fifty years afterwards, August 21, 1824, the 
venerable La Faj^ette again passed through Norwich. 
Some old people who remembered him embraced him 
and wept ; — the General wept also. 

At one time during the war, the Duke de Lauzun's 
regiment was quartered for a few weeks in Lebanon, 
ten miles from Norwich. Col. Jedidiah Huntington 
invited the officers to visit him, and piepared a hand- 
some entertainment for them. They made a superb 
appearance as they drove into town, being young, tall, 
vivacious men, with handsome faces and a noble air, 
mounted upon horses bravely caparisoned. The two 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 239 

Dillons, brothers, one a major and the other a captain 
in the reg"iment, were particularly distinguished for 
their fine Ibrnis and expressive features. One, or both, 
of tliese Dillons, suffered death from the guillotine 
during the French Revolution. 

Lanzun was one of the most accomplished but un- 
principled noblemen of his lime. He was celebrated for 
his handsome person, his liberality, wit, bravery; but 
more than all for his profligacy. He was born in 1747, 
inherited great wealth, and high titles, and spent all 
his early years in alternate scenes of dissipation and 
traveling. He engaged in no public enterprise till he 
came to America, and took part in the Revolutionary 
contest. The motives which actuated this voluptuous 
nobleman to this undertaking are not understood ; very 
probably the thirst for adventure, and personal friend- 
ship for La Fayette. He had ran the career of pleas- 
ure to such an extent that he was perhaps willing to 
pause awhile and restore the energy of his satiated 
taste. Certain it is, that he embarked in the cause of 
the Americans with ardor, bore privations with good 
temper, and made himself very popular by his hilarit}^ 
and generous expenditure. 

After Lauzun returned to Europe he became intimate 
with Talleyrand, and accompanied him on a mission 
to England, in 1792, where one of his familiar asso- 
ciates was the Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV. 
On the death of his uncle, the Duke de Biron, he suc- 
ceeded to tbe title, quarreled with the court, and be- 
came a parii/.an of the Duke of Orleans. Afterwards 
he served against the Vendeans, but was accused of 
secretly favoring tbem, condemned, and executed the 
last day of the year 1793. Such was the future stormy 
career of this celebrated nobleman, wbo, as already 
mentioned, in the midst of friends and subordinates, 



240 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

enjoyed the banquet made for him l)}- Col. Huntington. 
After dinner the whole party went out into the yard 
in front of the house, and made the air ring with Huz- 
zas for Liberty ! Numerous loungers had gathered 
around the fence to get a sight of these interesting for- 
eigners, with whom they conversed in very good Eng- 
lish, and exhorted to live free, or die for liberty. 

A very great evil experienced during the war, was 
the higli price of salt, and the difficulty of procuring it 
at any price. It was almost impossible to get a suffi- 
ciency to put up. provisions for winter's use.*. The 
Slate government was obliged to send abroad for sup- 
plies of this necessary article, and distribute it to the 
various towns. It was then apportioned by the select- 
men to the districts in proportion to their population, 
and again dealt out by a committee to individuals. 

Another scarce article was molasses. But in 1776, 
the people of Norwich, hearing that a vessel laden 
with molasses had arrived at Stoninglon, which be- 
longed to a family unfriendly to the cause of freedom, 
they immediately collected a spirited company of men, 
and proceeded forthwith to Stonington, where they 
took possession of the vessel, and brought her, with 
the cargo, round to Norwich. They then made report 
of the affiiir to the Governor and Council, who approved 
of their proceedings, and sequestered the prize for the 
use of the State. The molasses was doled out to hos- 
pitals, and used for various public purposes. Forty 
hogsheads were distilled for the use of the soldiers ^ 
thirty were sent to Portipaug, West Farms and New 
Concord, for safe keeping. The iory molasses, as it 

* Mr. Butler, willing to have a little sport with his neighbors, put up 
a sign over his shop door one day, " Hard money to let, and old pork 
to sell." This of course brought every passer-by to a stand, these be- 
ing the two articles not to be found in the place. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 241 

was called, was at that time considered a valuable 
acquisition. 

The scarcity of wheat was a still greater evil. The 
authorities were obliged to enforce a strict scrutiny 
into every man's means of subsistence, to see that none 
of the necessaries of life were withheld from a famish- 
ing community by monopolizers and avaricious en- 
grossers. Each family was visited, and an account of 
the grain in their possession, computed in wheat, was 
taken. The surplusage, down to the quantity of four 
quarts, was estimated. One hundred and twenty-six 
families were at one time reported deficient, viz : 

" 42 up town, 2G down town, 12 West Farms and Porti- 
paug, 2 Newent and Hanover, 9 East Society, 27 Chelsea, 
8 Bozrah." 

The following certificate is also upon record. 

" This may certify, that the whole number of inhabitants 
in the town of Norwich is hungry ; for the quantity of grain 
computed in wheat is scanty ; the deficiency amounts to a 
great many bushels, as pr return of ttie selectmen unto my 
office, agreeable to the act of assembly. 

Certified by Galettia Simpson. 

It is well known that during the Revolutionary war 
attempts were made to regulate the prices of articles by 
public statutes, in order to reduce the quantity of the cir- 
culating medium. In Connecticut prices were fixed 
by the civil authorities of each town, in all cases not 
determined by acts of Assembly. The list of articles 
to which I he selectmen aflfixed prices, in the year 1778, 
will fiunish data to show the various kinds of business 
then pursued in the town, as well as the current ex- 
penses of living. The following is an abstract. 

" Farming Labour varied according to the season of the 
year, from 3s. Gd. pr day to 5s. 3d. 
21* 



242 HISTORY or Norwich. 

Women's labor : nursing 9s. pr week ; house work 5s. 
3d. ; tailoring 2s. 4d. pr day ; spinning Is. 2d- pr run. 

House carpenters, joiners and painters, 7s. pr day. 

Ship-carpenters, master-builders, 10s. 6d., finding them- 
selves. 

Masons 8s. 9d. ; master-riggers 7s. 

Tailors, for making a full trimmed coat 21s., vest and 
breeches each 10s. 6d. 

Paper-makers, finding themselves, if foreman 31s. 6d. pr 
week ; under workmen 26s. 6d. 

Comb-makers; Horn combs Is. 9d. ; crooked do. the 
same; ivory small tooth combs from Is. to 5s. 

Tape-makers ; broad tape pr piece 6s. ; narrow 4s. 

Block-making ; blocks for vessels S^s. pr inch, &c. 

Coopering: Heart-white-oak hhds. 21s.; common white 
oak 17s. 6d. ; common black oak 14s. ; flax-seed tierces 5s. 
3d. ; barrels from 6s. to 7s. 

Button-making; best silver plaited coat buttons 6s. prdoz., 
&c. 

Weaving : shirting width 2s. 4d. pr yd. ; yard wide linen 
Is. 5^., &c. 

Clothiers : Fulling, shearing, and dying with Am. dies, 
2s. pr yd. 

Currying and Tanning Leather: calf-skin 3s 6rf. ; curry- 
ing side 5s. 3d. 

White oak bark per cord 32s. ; black oak 28s. 

Pewterers : Pewter quart pots 6s. 5d. ; pint pots 4s. 4d. 

Weaving stockings : men's pr pair 6s. 4d. ; women's 5s. 
6f/. ; breeches patterns 10s. lOd. 

Black-smith's work : plow irons Is. Od, pr lb. ; anchors 
10^. 2qr. do., &c. 

Wool cards pr pair 10s. 

Saddlers : Good hunting saddle, leather housing, 105s. 
Women's saddles, common sort £8, 15s. Plain bridles S^. 
9d. 

Good beaver hats £3, 3s. Felt hats 12s. 

Foot wheel complete 31s. 6d. Woolen wheel and spindle 
17s. 6d. 

Post writing paper pr quire 2s. Be/. Foolscap 3s. 
Fire wood : In Town Plot, walnut pr cord 22s. ; oak ISs. 
6d. ; at the Landing, at people's doors, pr cord 24s. ; oak 
20s. ; in Newent, fire wood pr cord 10.?. 6d. ; West Farms 
wood pr load 6s. 8d. ; Sth society 5s. 3d., &c. 

Hay per ton in Town Plot and Landing, (English herd 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 243 

grass,) £3. ISs. Flanders pr ton JG3. 25 pr cent, added 
in winter. 

Good sheeps wool 85. per lb. Well dressed flax I5. Gel- 

Good mutton and veal 5d. per lb. ; turkeys and fowls 6^/.; 
geese and ducks 5d. ; store swine 'S^d. 

Checked flannel, yd wide, 5.s-. ; checked linen do. 5s. 

Men's yarn stockings pr j)air 7s. 

Potatoes, in the fall, Is. Ur/. pr bu. ; winter and spring;, 
2s. Id. 

Cider pr bbl, 9s. ; draAvn off in the spring 15s. 

Chocolate pr lb. 10s. ; Hard soap Is. 2d. : Rice 8c?. 

Allspice and ginger 3s. 

River oysters 3s. per bu., Is. 2d. pr qt. 

Fresh bass and perch, at the Landing, 3'^/. pr lb. 

Boat fare between Norwich and N. London, single person, 
2s. ChL ; freight for hhd Qs. ; barrel Is. Qd. 

Pressed hay, at the Landing, pr ton, j£5, 5s. Od. 

Horse hire pr mile, for journey, at Landing Id. 

Goldsmiths : making gold necklace 356\ ; wrought gold 
pr dwt. 7s. ; Buckles, best open work, 21s. ; Table spoons, 
plain, 5s. 3d. ; Tea spoons 2s. 8rf. ; reversed and carved in 
proportion. 

Best stock buckles 14s. ; Knee buckles 14s. ; silver pr oz. 
wrought 9s. ; Cleaning watches 5s. 3f7. 

Taverners : gill of Rum Is., N. England do. Qd- ; mug of 
flip or toddy made with W. India rum 2s. 6c?., N. Eng. do. 
Is. 8c?. ; meal of victuals Is. 'dd- ; pottle oats 6c?. ; bowl sour 
punch 3s. ; best Madeira wine pr bottle 18s. ; French brandy 
and foreign Geneva 2s. pr gill. Signed per order, 

Simon Tracy, Chairman. 

Samuel Tracy, Clerk. 

" April 7, 1777, Voted, strictly to adhere to the law of the 
State regulating the prices of the necessaries of life ; and we 
do resolve with cheerfulness to exert our best endeavours 
within our sphere, to support the honor of that good and sal- 
utary law. 

Dec. 29. Voted, that the town consider the articles of 
confederation and perpetual union proposed by the Continen- 
tal Congress wise and salutary." 

1778. Abstract of instructions to the representatives 
of the town. — 



244 HISTORY or Norwich. 

" 1. To use their influence to have taxes more equitable. 

2. To have bills of credit called in. 

3. Forfeited estates confiscated. 

4. The yeas and nays on all important questions published. 

5. Profane swearing punisbed by disability to sustain 
offices. 

Oct. 1. Voted, to present a memorial to the General As- 
sembly, praying for a just and equitable system of taxation 
and representation." 

Extract from the memorial : — 

" The Poll-tax your memorialists consider at the present 
day, an insupportable burden on the poor, vi'hile a great part 
of the growing estate of the rich is by law exempt from 
taxation. The present mode of representation is also ob- 
jected to by your memorialists. They believe all who pay 
taxes and are of sober life and conversation, ought to have a 
voice in all public communities, where their monies and prop- 
erties are disposed of for public uses." 

It is not surprising tliat the subject of taxation should 
be one of exciting interest in a community who were 
annually paying 6^., 9c?. and 12c?. on the pound for 
the use of the army. At one time in Connecticut, 
when the currency was at par, a rate of even 14d. was 
necessary to meet the exigencies of the treasury. 

The town afterwards presented another petition to 
the Assembly, the substance of which was, that every 
kind of property, and that only, should be the object 
of taxation. This general principle, they say, is in 
their view, the only equitable one. Committees were 
sent to several neighboring towns, to get their minds 
on the subject, and they at length resolved to publi:-h 
at the expense of the town, the prevalent views of the 
citizens on taxation, in the form of a letter to the free- 
men of the state, a copy of it to be sent to every town. 
In this letter, the deficiencies of the existing system 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 245 

were ably pointed out. The objections against the 
poll-tax were these : 

" That it is a personal tax, and ouglit to be paid in personal 
service, that is, in defending; the community ; that it is a 
double tax, the poor man paying for his poll, which is the 
substitute for his labor, and for the avails of his labor also ; 
that it is impolitic, as tending to prevent early marriages, 
which promote industry, frugality, and every social virtue." 

Again, three years later, the tgwn ninde another 
efl'ort through their representatives, to obtain their 
favorite measures ; that polls should either be struck 
out of the list of taxation, or set at a very low rate ; 
and that all who pay taxes should vote as freemen. 

"June 30, 1779. Voted, that a committee of fifty able, 
judicious men be appointed to engage fifty able-bodied, eflfect- 
ive men, required of this town to fill up our complement of 
the Continental Army for three years, or during the war ; 
each member of the committee to procure one soldier, and 
pay him twenty silver dollars bounty, over and above the 
bounty given by the state, and pay him the same annually, 
, as long as he continues in the service ; also 405. per month 
in silver money, or Indian corn at 3s. per bushel, fresh pork 
at 3d. per pound, and wheat at 6s. per bushel." 

The Committee were not able (o carry this vote into 

effect : the term of enlistment was too long ; nor were 

i the men raised until by a subsequent vote the term of 

I service was restricted to six months. In July of the 

same year, upon a requisition of the Governor, twenty- 

' seven more men were enlisted for six months, to whom 

tiie same bounty and pay were given. 

In 1781, the General Assembly passed an act to 
arrange all the inhabitants of the State into classes, 
each class to raise so many recruits and furnish such 
and such clothing and other supplies. Norwich at 
first refused to enter upon this system, and remonstra- 



246 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ted. With great reluctance, the measure was at last 
adopted by the inhabitants, and being found to accom- 
plish the end, was continued through the war, though 
it was never popular with them. 

1783. Instructions were given to the representatives 
to use their inj3uence with the Assembly to obtain a 
remonstrance against the five years' pay granted by 
Congress to the officers of the Continental army. The 
resolution passed by the town on this subject, was fiery, 
dictatorial and extravagant. A single paragraph will 
show its bombastic character : 

" For a free people just rising out of a threatening slavery, 
into free shining pospects of a most glorious peace and inde- 
pendence, now to be taxed without their consent, to support 
and maintain a large number of gentlemen as pensioners, in 
a time of universal peace, is, in our view, unconstitutional 
and directly in opposition to the sentiment of the states at 
large, and was one great spoke in the wheel which moved at 
first our late struggle with our imperious and tyrannical foes." 

Further instructions were given at the same time to 
the representatives to urge upon the assembly the ne- 
cessity of keeping a watchful eye upon the proceedings 
of Congress, to see that they did not exceed the pow- 
ers vested in them, and to appoint a committee at 
ev^ery session to take into consideration the journals of 
Congress, and approve or disapprove, applaud or cen- 
sure the conduct of the delegates. 

At no period during the war were the people of Nor- 
wich alarmed with the fear of a direct invasion of the 
enemy, except at the time of the attack on New Lon- 
don, Sept. 6, 1781. It was then rumored that Arnold, 
inflamed with hatred against the country he had be- 
trayed, and harboring a particular spite to his native 
town, had determined at all hazards to march thither, 
and spread desolation through the homes of his ancient 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 247 

friends and neighbors. Preparations were, therefore, 
made to receive him; goods were packed, and women 
and children made ready for flight. The fiery patriots 
of Norwich wished for nothing more than that he should 
attempt to march thither, as it would give them a long 
coveted opportunity of wreaking their vengeance on 
the traitor. But the undertaking was too hazardous ; 
Arnold, if he had the will, was too prudent to attempt 
anything but a sudden and transient descent upon the 
sea-hoard. 

The last time that the militia were called out during 
the war, was in September, 1782. A detail of the 
circumstances will serve as a specimen of the harrass- 
ing alarms which had previously often occurred. 

Benajah Leffingwell was then Lieutenant Colonel of 
the twentieth regiment, and at seven o'clock in the 
morning, an express reached him with the following 
order : 

" To Major Leffingwell : I have certain intelligence that 
there is a large fleet in the Sound, designed for some part of 
the Main — would hereby request you without loss of time, 
to notify the regiment under your command, to be ready to 
march at the shortest notice — also send expresses to New 
London immediately for further news, and continue express- 
es as occasion may be. Your humble servant in the great- 
est haste, Samuel M'Clelland, Colonel. 

Wednesday morning, six o'clock. 

I have much more to say if I had time— ^-I am on the road 
to New London from Windham, where express came to 
me in the night." 

Before nine o'clock the whole regiment had been 
summoned to turn out with one or two days provisions, 
and be ready to march on hearing the alarm guns. 

The regiment upon the ground that day, as the 
returns of the orderly book show, consisted of one 
field officer, thirty-five commissioned, do., and 758 



248 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

men, in eleven companies, under the following Cap- 
tains : 

Joseph Carew, Moses Stephens, Jonathan Waterman, 

Samuel Wheat, William Pride, Samuel Lovett, 

Isaac Johnson, Jabez Deming, Jacob De Witt. 
Nathan Waterman, Alnor Ladd, 

Orders at last came for them to march ; they were 
just ready to start, when the order was counterman- 
ded ; again an express arrived saying that the fleet 
appeared to be bound in, and orders were issued to 
stand ready; one hour they heard that the enemy was 
making preparations for a descent ; the next that the 
fleet was moving up the Sound. Finally the hostile 
ships having explored Gardiner's Bay, flitted out of the 
Sound, and the militia after two days of harrassing 
suspense, were dismissed to their homes. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Biographical Slteiches. 
GEN. JABEZ HUNTINGTON 

Was born at Norwich, in 1719. He graduated 
at Yale College in 1741, and soon afterwards enter- 
ed largely into mercantile and commercial pursuits, 
and made a handsome fortune, principally in the 
West India trade. The central part of the town 
plot, was before the revolution the seat of consider- 
able business. The street where Gen. H. resided, 
now so quiet and serene that every day wears the 
garb of the Sabbath, was then thronged with men 
and horses, and frequently blocked up with teams 
laden with country produce. Neatly 100 mechanics 
of more than a dozen different occupations, might 
then be numbered around the square. Gen. Hunting- 
ton and his sons had large stores in this vicinity ; 
forty or fifty merchant vessels at that time sailed from 
the port, and of these twenty, were owned and fitted 
out by Gen. Huntington, nineteen of them in the West 
India trade ; the other made voyages to Old England. 
The business of Gen. H. was mostl}' transacted in the 
town two miles from the port. 

Gen. Huntington commenced his patriotic career in 
1750, when he was chosen to the Colonial Assembly. 
For several years he presided over the lower house as 
Speaker, and afterwards was a member of the Council. 
On the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he lost 
nearly half of his property, either by capture of his 
22 



250 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

vessels, or from other circumstances connected with 
that calamitous period. 

In the early part of the war, he was an active mem- 
ber of the Council of Safety, and Major General of the 
militia. His sons were all ardent patriots ; two of 
them Jedidiah and Ebenezer entered into the army and 
served during the war. The exertions made by Gen. 
Huntington for his country, connected with the exci- 
ting events of the day and the pressure of private 
business, were destructive to his health ; and in 1779 
brought on a hypochondriac disorder, which gradually 
reduced him to a state of bodily imbecility and partial 
alienation of mind, which covered the last seven 
years of his life with a gloomy shadow. He died in 
1786. His sons settled around him, establishing their 
homesteads in his immediate vicinity ; though subse- 
quent to the death of his father. Gen. Jedidiah remo- 
ved to New London, 

GEN. JEDIDIAH HUNTINGTON 

Was born at Norwich, in 1743, and graduated at 
Cambridge, in 1763, on which occasion he pronounced 
the first English oration delivered in that college at 
commencement. Settling near his father in his native 
place, he engaged Avith him in mercantile pursuits, 
but soon became noted as one of the Sons of Lib- 
erty, and an active Captain of the militia. He en- 
tered with spirit into all the measures of his towns- 
men in resisting oppression, and being raised to the 
command of a regiment, joined the Continental army 
with it in 1775. Two years afterwards, Congress gave 
him the commission of Brigadier General, which office 
he held with honor during the war, obtaining the 
confidence and attachment of Washington, and the 
grateful respect of his country. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 251 

In 1789, he was appointed by Washington, Collect- 
or of the port of New London, to which place he 
removed and resided there lill his death in 1818. 
Agreeably to a direction contained in his will, his re- 
mains were carried to Norwich and deposited in the 
family tomb. 

Gon. Hnntington made a profession of religion when 
quite a young man, and his conduct through life was 
that of .'I consistent Cliristian. He was a man of 
prayer, active in the promotion of religious objects, 
liberal in his charities, and a zealous friend of mis- 
sions. He was one of the first members of the Amer- 
ican Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and 
continued active in its concerns till his death. 

His first wife was Faith, daughter to Gov. Trumbull, 
who died atDedham, Massachusetts, in 1775, while on 
the way with her husband to the continental camp at 
Cambridge. His second wife, sister to Bishop Moore, 
of Virginia, survived him, and died in 1831. 

CAPT. ROBERT NILES 

Was in the service of the State, during the whole 
war, first as commander of the armed schooner Spy, 
and afterwards of the Dolphin. In the former vessel 
he was employed to carry to France the ratified 
copy of the treaty between that country and the 
infant Republic. Two other copies were sent out 
by other conveyances, but both fell into the hands of 
the British. The copy conveyed in the Spy safely 
reached its destination. Capt. Niles was a native of 
Groton, and boin in 1734. He died at Norwich, in 
1818. 

CAI'T. SETH HAnDING, 

Commander of the armed brigantine Defence^ owned 
by the State of Connecticut, was a citizen of Norwich. 



252 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

In the early part of the war he was considered next 
to Capt. Manly, the most successful of the American 
cruisers. He brought into New London several valua- 
ble prize vessels laden with ivory, mahogany, warlike 
stores, wearing apparel, and West India products. 
Whatever ma}^ now be the opinion of moralists with 
respect to privateering, it is undeniable that it was at, 
that time regarded by the highest authorities in the 
country, as a laudable and honorable business. On 
the 18th and 19th of June, 1776, Capt. Harding captur- 
ed near the opening of Boston Bay, three British vessels 
with recruits for tlieir army in Boston. His prisoners 
amounted to 322, mostly Highlanders. Among them 
was Col. Campbell, of Gen. Frazer's regiment. 

Capt. Harding afterwards commanded the Confed- 
eracy, a ship of thirty-six guns. This ship was built 
in the river Thames, a few miles below the Landing, 
and sent to France after ammunition and stores. No- 
tice of the time of its sailing from France on the 
return voyage, together with its destination, which it 
was intended should be kept secret, having been 
obtained by some persons inimical to the American 
cause, it was by them communicated to the British 
officers, who caused a fleet to be placed in ambush, at 
the mouth of Delaware Bay. The Confederacy with 
its valuable stores fell into their hands. 

MAJOR NATHAN PETERS 

Of Norwich, was an active soldier during the war. 
He joined the Connecticut volunteers, on the news of 
the battle of Lexington, and marched with them to 
Boston. He was engaged in the battles of Long Island, 
York Island, Throg's Point, Princeton, Trenton and 
Newport. 

Happening to be at home on furlough in September 
1781, when the British made a descent upon Ne\\ 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 253 

London, with characteristic ardor, he rushed to the 
scene of action, and was the first person wlio entered 
Groton Fort, after it had been deserted by tlie British 
troops. Hovering somewhere in the vicinity, he 
scarcely waited for them to embark before he cautious- 
ly entered the fort, and with his own luinds extin- 
guished the train which had been laid to cause an 
explosion of the magazine. In five minutes more the 
wiiole would have been a heap of ruins, under which 
the dead and dying would have been buried. 
Maj. Peters died at Norwich, in 1S24, aged 79. 

BENEDICT ARNOLD. 

The biography of this celebrated traitor has been re- 
pes.tedly and ably Avrittcn. It is only intended here 
to give a few desultory sketches, wliich may be consid- 
ered as the reminiscences of those who were personally 
acquainted with the family. His liirth is recorded in 
the town booU, Jan. 3, 1741. His parents had previ- 
ously lost a son of the same name, and of their six 
children, only Benedict and Hannah lived to maturity. 
He was descended from the Arnolds of Rhode Island, 
an honorable name in that colony, where one of his 
ancestors, bearing also the name of Benedict, held for 
fifteen years the office of Governor. Two brothers of 
this family, Benedict and Oliver, coopers by trade, re- 

! moved from Newport to Norwich, about the year 1730. 
The elder of the two, Benedict, or as the name is writ- 

: ten in the Norwich Books, Benedic/t, relinquished his 

I occupation and engaged in trade and public affairs. 

I He was an active, enterprising man, though passionate 
in his disposition. He appeals to have served as col- 
lector, lister, selectman, constable, and militia captain. 
His marriage to Mrs. Hannah King, whose maiden 
name was Lathrop, is recorded November 8, 1733. 
22* 



254 HISTORY OF NOllWICH. 

Mrs. Arnold was a woman of good exterior and estim- 
able qualities. We learn from her grave stone, that 
she died in 1759, aged fifty-nine. She is there char- 
acterized as "A pattern of patience, piety, and virtue," 
and tradition allows that the truth is not exagge- 
rated. The following is a literal copy (except in or- 
thography) of a letter from her to her son Benedict, 
while he was at school in Canterbury. The original 
is probabl}' still in existence. 

" To Mr. Benedict Arnold, at Canterbury. 

Norwich, April 12, 1754. 

Dear child. I received yours of the 1st instant, and 
was glad to hear that you was well ; pray, my dear, let your 
first concern be to make your peace with God, as it is of all 
concerns of the greatest importance. ^* 

Keep a steady watch over your thoughts, words ann iip- 
tions. Be dutiful to superiors, obliging to ec[uals, and affable 
to inferiors, if any such there be. Always choose that your 
companions be your betters, that by their good examples you 
may learn. 

From your affectionate mother, Hannah Arnold. 

P. S. I have sent you 50.*; use it prudently, as you are 

accountable to God and your father. Your father and aunt 
join with me in love and service to Mr. Cogswell and lady, 
and yourself. Your sister is from home." 

It is lamentable to think, that the son of such a 
mother, and the recipient of such whole.some instruc- 
tion, should have become a proud, obstinate and un- 
principled man ; leaving behind him a name and char- 
acter infamous in the sight of his country, and spotted 
with violence, corruption and treason. 

The house in which Benedict was horn is still in a 
state of good preservation, though considerably enlarg- 
ed smce first built by his father. A few years since 
many parts of it exhibited marks of his mischievous 
childhood, in whittlings, brands, and hatchet cuts. 
upon the beams, planks, and doors. The letters B. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 255 

A. and B. Arnold were stanipc^d upon it in various 
places. 'This liouse liad a variety of occupants after 
the Arnolds left it. A man b}' the name of Laidh^y, 
was its next inhabitant; and his wife, who had been 
long- insane, dying suddenly and strangely, some sup- 
posed that her dissolution had been hastened by harsh 
treatment. She had been known to escape from the 
house to the adjacent woods in a state of frenzy, and 
those who assisted in Jier recapture stated that she was 
almost naked, and her body lacerated cruelly either 
by herself or others. A small room or closet in the 
house, with no aperture for air or light, and with a 
door only half the height of a person, was re})orted to 
be the place of her confinement, and these circumstan- 
ces, probably exaggerated by rumor, obtained for the 
house a notorious and superstitious reputation. 

In the year 1775, Deacon William Philips, of Boston, 
the father of Lieut. Governor Philips, removed his 
family to Norwich, and occupied the Arnold house, 
till after the British retired from Boston. Its next oc- 
cupant was Mr. Mai bone, of Newport, who also came 
to Norwich to seek a refuge from the bustle and vio- 
lence of war. The misfoi times of this family, and the 
seclusion in wliich they lived, ratlu^r added to the fear- 
ful character which the house had acquired. It was 
said that seven of the name and all nearly connected, 
had died within the short period of eighteen months. 
About ten years before the family removed to Norwich, 
that is, in 1767, the brig Dolphin, of Newport, owned 
by one of the Malbones, and commanded by another, 
took fire off" Point Judith, as it was returning from Ja- 
maica, and was entirely consumed. Such was the vio- 
lence of the flames, and the rapidity of their work, 
that all communication was cut off between the deck 
and cabin, and in the latter three ladies and two chil- 



256 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

dren perished. Those on deck escaped in boats. This, 
and other misfortunes connected with the farnil}', had 
.made the name ahnost ominous of calamity. The 
house was afterwards tenanted successively, though 
but for a short period, by several pure and noble-minded 
gentlemen, among whom were William Hubbard Esq. 
and Thomas Mum ford Esq. The occupants were 
changed so often, that public rumor ascribed it to the 
supernatural sounds and sights witli whicli it was 
haunted. At a subsequent period it was taken by a 
disbanded officer, whose late suppers, revels, and card- 
playing, added another kind of gloomy notoriety to 
the tenement, so that after his departure it remained 
tenantless for several years, till purchased and repaired 
by Mr. Uriah Tracy, to whose heirs it now belongs. 

To return from this digression respecting- the Arnold 
house to the Arnold family. No one of the name in 
Norwich seems to have been a common place char- 
acter. Benedict, when a boy, was bold, enterprising, 
ambitious, active as lightning, and with a ready wit 
always at command. In every kind of sport, espe- 
cially if mischief was to be perpetrated, he was a daunt- 
' less ring-leader, and as despotic among tlie boys as an 
absolute monarch. On a day of public rejoicing for 
some success over the French, Arnold, then a mere 
stripling, took a tield-piece, and in a frolic placed it on 
end, so that the mouth should point upright, poured 
into it a large quantity of powder, and actually drop- 
ped into the muzzle, from his hand, a blazing fire- 
brand. His activity saved him from a scorching, for 
though the flash streamed up within an inch of his 
face, he darted back, and shouted huzza! as loud as 
the best of the company. It is remembered also, that 
having, at the head of a gang of boys, seized and rolled 
away some valuable casks from a shop-yard, to aid in 



HISTORY or NORWICH. 257 

making the usual thanksgiving- bonfire, the casks were 
arrested on their way, l)y an olficer sent by the owner 
to recover them ; upon vviiich young Arnold was so 
emaged, that he stripped olF his coat upon the spot, 
and dared the constable, a stout and grave man, to 
fght. 

At fourteen years of age he was apprenticed as a 
druggist to Drs. Daniel and Joshua Lathrop, and here 
he exhibited the same rash and fearless traits of char- 
acter. A person who once remained in the shop with 
him during a tremendous thunder storm, related after- 
wards, that at every peculiarly loud and stunning re- 
port, young Arnold would swing his hat and shout 
hurrah! adding occasionally some reckless or profane 
exclamation. , Once during his apprenticeship he ran 
away, with the design of enlisting as a soldier in the 
British arniy ; but his friends succeeded in finding him 
and induced him to return to his employment. Other 
anecdotes of his youth may be found in Spark's " Life 
and Treason of Benedict Arnold." Dr. Solomon Smith 
Mas the fellow apprentice of Arnold, and not Dr. Hop- 
kins, as is stated in thot memoir. 

Miss Hannah Arnold, the sister of Benedict, was an 
accomplished lady, pleasing in her person, witty antl 
at!^ible. While the family still resided in Norwich, 
and of coiuse when she was quite young, she became 
an object of interest and attention to a young foreigner, 
a transient resident of the place. His regard was re- 
ciprocated by the young lady ; but Benedict disliked 
the man, and after vainly endeavoring by milder 
means to break off the intimacy, he became outrageous, 
and vowed vengeance upon him if he ever again 
..caught him in the house. After this the young peo- 
ple saw each other only by stealtl), the lover timing 
his visits to the brother's absence. One evening Ben- 



258 HISTLORY OF NORWICH. 

edict, who had been to New Haven, came home un- 
expectedly, and having entered the house without 
bustle, ascertained that the Frenchman was in the 
parlor with his sister. He instantly planted himself in 
front of the house with a loaded pistol, and commanded 
a servant to assail the door of the room in which they 
were, as if he would break it down. The young man, 
as Arnold expected, leaped out of the window ; the 
latter fired at him, but it being dark, missed his aim. 
The youth escoped, but the next day left the place, 
choosing rather to relinquish the lady than to run any 
further risk of his life, Arnold afterwards met him at 
the Bay of Hondurus, both having gone thither on a 
trading voyage. A challenge was given by one or the 
other, and promptly accepted. They fought, and the 
Frenchman was severely wounded. 

Miss Arnold was never married. After the death of 
her father she resided principally with her brother. 
She died at Montague, in Upper Canada, in 1803, aged 
sixty years. 

The last exploit of Arnold duiing the war was the 
burning of New London. No act of his cast more dis- 
honor upon his reputation. Its contiguity to his birth- 
place rendered it more than probable that he would 
nieet in mortal combat some of the companions of his 
childhood and pations of his youth. It was truly a 
fratricidal deed. 

Oliver Arnold, brother to Benedict Senior, and uncle 
to the traitor, at liis death left a widow and five chil- 
dren, in straitened circumstances. They had a small 
house and garden, but nothing more. To these rela- 
tions, Benedict was always kind and liberal. To cue ' 
of tlu; sons, by the name of Freegift, he gave the ed- 
ucation of a scholar, and designed him for one of the ^ 
professionsj but the young man joined himself to the ' 



HISTORY OF N0R"\V1CII. 259 

Sons of Liberty, entered into the naval service, under 
Paul Jones, and after fighting" bravely, came liorne 
with a ruined constitution, to languish and die. The 
other son, Oliver, was of a roving disposition, and had 
a peculiar talent at making extempore verses. A spe- 
cimen of this talent, though trifling in its character, 
may perhaps be acceptable. 

In a bookseller's shop in New Haven, he was intro- 
duced to Joel Barlow, who had just then acquired con- 
siderable notoriety by the publication of an altered 
edition of Watts' Psalms and Hynuis. Barlow asked 
for a specimen of his talent ; upon which the wander- 
ing poet immediately repeated the following stanza : 

" You've proved yourself a sinful cre'tur' ; 
You've murdered Watts, and spoilt the metre ; 
You've tried the word of God to alter, 
And for your pains deserve a halter."' 

Oliver was also a sailor and a patriot, and cordially 
despised the course taken by his cousin Benedict, in 
betraying his country. Local tradition ascribes to him 
the following acrostic on the traitor's name, and it is 
even added that being on a visit to his cousin after the 
war, and called upon by him to amuse a party of Eng- 
lish officers with someextemporaneouseflTusion, he stood 
up and repeated these lines. The composition itself, 
however, contradicts such a report, as it bears no re- 
semblance to other short and unstudied efibrts of the 
native rhymester, which have been preserved. 

" Born for a curse to virtue and mankind. 
Earth's broadest realm ne'er knew so black a mind. 
Night's sable veil your crimes can never hide, 
Each one so great, 'twould glut historic tide. 
Defunct, your cursed memory will live, 
In all the glare that infamy can give. 



260 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Curses of ages will attend your name, 
Traitors alone will glory in your shame. 
Almighty vengeance sternly waits to roll 
Rivers of sulphur on your treacherous soul — 
Nature looks shuddering back, with conscious dread, 
On such a tarnished biotas she has made. 
Let hell receive you, riveted in chains, 
Doomed to the hotest focus of its flames !" 



ROGER GRISWOLD 

Settled in Norwich when first admitted to the bar, in 
1783. He married the daughter of Col. Zabdiel Rog-- 
ers, and continued his residence in the place, until 
elected a member of Congress in 1794. He then re- 
moved to his native town, Lyme. It is an interesting 
fact that he came back to Norwich to die. He was 
elected Governor of Connecticut, in May, 1811, and 
re-elected the succeeding year. For several years, he 
had been afflicted with a disease of the heart, which 
at intervals caused him great suffering. It increased 
so rapidly, that in the summer of 1812, he was removed 
to Norwich, that he might try the effect of a change 
of air, and at the same time have the benefit of advice 
from Dr. Tracy, in whose skill, as a physician, he had 
great confidence. But neither air nor medicine could 
do more for him than alleviate the paroxysms of his 
distress, and he died Oct. 25, 1812. He was only fifty 
years of age, having been bom in 1762 — a man of great 
boldness and energy. He was the son of Matthew 
Griswold, one of the former Governors of Connecticut, 
Avho held that office dining the period that intervened 
between Trumbull and Huntington. His mother was 
a daughter of Roger Wolcott, who was also a Gov- 
ernoi of Connecticut. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



Episcopal Cliurch and Society. 



Tradition is the only source, from which anything 
has been ascertained respecting the first rise of the 
Episcopal church in Norwich. From thence we learn 
that the first church of England men in the place 
were Thomas Grist and Edmund Gookin, who were 
" allowed as inhabitants" in 1726. They resided upon 
the town plot. Mr. Grist was born in 1700, and in 
1721, married Ann Birchard. Mr. Gookin was about 
the same age. 

The year 1722 is the date given to the existence of 
Episcopacy as an order, in Connecticut, though it was 
first introduced by the Rev. Mr. Muirson, a missionary 
from the " Society for propagating the Gospel in for- 
eign parts," at Stratford, in 1706. An Episcopal 
church was established at New London, in 1725, prin- 
cipally through the exertions of the Rev. Matthew 
Graves, who may also be considered as the founder of 
the churches in Norwich and Hebron. This gentle- 
man was a missionary from the " Society for promo- 
ting Christian Knowledge," formed at London in 1698. 
It is not known how his acquaintance with Mr. Grist 
of Norwich, commenced, but he frequently visited him. 
Gradually, and at first, privately, a little band of ten 
or a dozen persons were collected on such occasions, 
among whom the ordinances of the church were ad- 
ministered. In this part of the town they never had 
23 



262 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

a regular minister or a house for worship, but the 
Gookin and Grist family, until their extinction during- 
the present generation, were faithful and devoted ad- 
herents of the church. Mr. Grist himself lived to be 
very aged, — his thiee daughters died unmarried, Anna 
in 1812, aged 88 ; Hannah in 1815, aged 86, and Molly, 
in 1824, aged 83. Anna, the last of the Gookin fam- 
ily in Norwich, wns also a spinster, and died in 1810, 
aged 80. 

About the year 1732, the Rev. Ebenezer Punderson, 
a Congregational minister of Groton, declared for the 
Church of England, and crossed the Atlantic to be 
re-ordained. On his return, he organized a church in 
Norwich, Long .Society, at the village of Poquetanuck, 
which has. ever since existed, though it has always 
been small, and seldom able to support a pastor of its 
own. This church was formed about 1738. Mr. Pun- 
derson and Mr. Graves frequently preached at private 
houses in other parts of Norwich, and by degrees, a 
respectable society was gathered in Chelsea. A regu- 
lar church organization took place about the year 1745, 
This infant churcli was founded and nourished by the 
united labors of Graves, Punderson and Seabury, of 
New London. 

Jan. 7, 1746, a meeting was held at the Town- 
house, to decide matters relative to the erection of an 
edifice " for the service of Almighty God, according 
to the Liturgie of the Church of England, as by law 
established." 

Rev. Mr, Punderson, Moderator. 
Capt. Benajah Bushnell, Treasurer. 
Capt. Isaac Clarke, ^ 

Ml. Thomas Grist, \ Building Committee. 
Mr. Elisha Hide. S 



HISTORY OF NORWICH 263 

Capt. Bushnell had previously presented ground for 
the site, "at the north-east end of Wawcequa's Hill, 
near the Old Landing place," and a subscription was 
presented, which had been circulated, and contained 
eighiy-seven names; the sum sul)scribed, ^678. The 
greatest amount by one individual, was £50, by An- 
drew Galloway. The thrt e gentlemen who formed 
tlie buikling committee subscribed j£40 each. Mr. 
Punderson afterwards collected in Rhode Island, jElSS, 
and Capt. Bushnell in Boston, jEHS. All this was 
probably Old Tenor money, or Bills of Credit, of redu- 
ced value. 

The land and the church, when erected, were con- 
veyed by deed to the committee, in trust — 

" For the use of the ' Society for propagating the Gospel 
in foreign parts,' and their successors forevermore, to be ap- 
propriated for an Episcopal church and church-yard for the 
benefit of an Episcopal minister and members of said church, 
and for no other use, intent or purpose whatsoever." 

The consideration money was five sliillings, and 
possession and seisin were given, by delivering to the 
Committee in the usual manner, " turf and twig." 

In 1750, the church was in a condition to allow of 

public worship. The number of pew holders was 

twenty-eight. They built their own pews and held 

them as their proper estate. The first church oflficers 

were : — 

Capt. Benajah Bushnell, ) j^^^^^^,. 
Capt. Joseph 1 racy, ) 

Capt, Isaac Clarke, ^ 

" Thomas Crist, > Vti^tiy men. 

" Daniel Hall, ) 
Elisha Hide, Clerk of the Church. 
Phineas Holden, Sucicti/ Clerk. 

Mr. Punderson was the officiating clergyman. 



264 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

In 1760, a subscription was raised for Mr. John 
Beardslec, " towards his inoculation and going- to Eng- 
land for orders, that he may preach in the churches of 
England, at Norwich and Groton." An engagement 
was at the same time entered into with him, to pay 
the annual sum of jESS, towards his support, when he 
should become their minister, which he did in the 
spring of 1763. The number of male commimicants 
in the Chelsea chmch was, at this time, about twenty. 

.The Groton church mentioned, is the one already 
alluded to in the village of Poquetannuck. That vil- 
lage lies at the head of a creek or cove, which runs out 
of the Thames about four miles below the Landing. 
It was early settled, being considered a fine location 
for fishing, building small sea-craft, and exporting 
wood and timber. It now contains about forty dwell- 
ing houses. A part of it lies in Groton, and it was 
within the bounds of that town that the Episcopal 
church was built. It has been generally dependent 
upon the Norwich church for the administration of the 
ordinances. 

In 1767, a lot of land was given for a Glebe by Mrs. 
Zerviah Bushnell, and conveyed by deed to the " So- 
ciety for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts," A 
glebe house was built, but we soon afterwards lose 
sight of Mr. Beardslee. In 1768, an agreement was 
made with John Tyler, of Walliugford, Conn., by 
which £60 sterling money of Great Britain, was ad- 
vanced to him, to defray the expenses of a voyage to 
England to receive ordination; he, on his part, enga- 
ging to return and officiate as their priest, at a sala- 
ry of jGSO per annum. The money was raised by 
subscription, and the list contains eighty names. 

Mr. Tyler returned the next year, and became rec- 
tor of the church. This gentleman had been educated 



HISTORY OF NORAVICH. 265 

in Congregationalism, but after embracing the doc- 
trines of the Church of Enghind, he prepared for holy 
orders, under the care of Dr. Johnson, of Stratford. 

The persecution of the Episcopalians in our coun- 
try during the revolutionary struggle, lies like a blot 
upon the bright shield of patriotism. Whether 
tories or not, they were all suspected of toryism, 
and the clergy in an especial manner were obliged to 
endiue a thousand little domestic harassings, alarming 
threats and destruction of property. Most of them 
were forbidden to olliciate as priests, either publicly or 
privately, and their churches were shut up by order of 
the magistracy. The church in Chelsea was closed 
for three years, through fear of popular excitement. 
In 1774, a subscription had been taken up for a porch, 
steeple and bell, to be nddcd to the church ; but the 
project was suspended until 1780. No entry was made 
on the records of the church liom April, 1776, to April, 
1779. But it is remembered, that during this time, 
Mr. Tyler held divine service in his own house, and 
was never molested in the performance. He was per- 
haps treated with greater incFidgence tlian others, on 
account of the well known benevolence of his charac- 
ter and the liberality of liis seiitiments. Family in- 
fluence likewise was in his favor; his father-in-law, 
Isaac Tracy Esq., being deacon of the Congregational 
Church, and of unsuspected patriotism. Mr. Tyler 
was never once personally abused during the conflict, 
but he was frequently vexed with petty depredations 
upon his property. At one time, he was afraid to drink 
the water of his own well. The congregation at this 
period had dwindled to a very small number. Often 
the services were performed wi(h an audience of not 
more than fifteen or twenty persons. 

Whether the title of " Christ's Church in Chelsea," 
23* 



266 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

was held from the first is not known ; the designation 
does not appear upon the records until 1785. 

In 1790, a new church was built upon land given by 
Mr. Phinehas Holden. This was conveyed by deed, 
not to the S. P. G. F. P. as the old one had been, but to 
Trustees, "for the use of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church of England." 

One hundred and thirty pounds tOAvards building the 
church were raised, besides subscriptions of labor. The 
building committee were — 

Maj. Ebenezer Whiting, Barzillai Davison, 
Benajah Denison, James Christie. 

In 1791 the owners of the pews in the old church 
relinquished their rights, and here for the first time ap- 
pear the names of persons now upon the stage of life, 
viz : Christopher Vail and Cushing Eells. The pews 
in the new church were sold at public auction, and the 
money applied to parochial uses. There were thirty 
purchasers to the pews, of whom not one now remains 
alive. 

May 19, 1791, the new church was solemnly "dedi- 
cated to the worship of Almighty God according to the 
liturgy of the Church of England, accommodated to 
the civil constitution of these American States," by 
the R. R. Dr. Seabury, Bishop of Connecticut. 

Ebenezer Whiting;, } tt; j 

Ji.benezer Huntington, ^ 

Jabez Huntington, SocictT/ Clerk. 

Mr. Tyler's salary was at this time ^660, and in 1794 
it was increased to XSO. He had, moreover, liberty 
of absence every fourth Sunday, at Poquetannuck, 
and received a small stipend from the chuich there. 

With the exception of the political jealousy during 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 267 

the Revolutionary contest, the Episcopalians and Con- 
greg-ationalists of Norwich have never exhibited any 
acrimony against each other. On the contrary, social 
intercourse has been generally maintained, irrespective 
of denominational bounds, and the two sects have in 
many instances interchanged civilities, in a truly cour- 
teous and Christian spirit. 

At a very early period we find that the Episcopal 
church employed the Congregational collector to col- 
lect Mr. Tyler's rates. Invitations have sometimes 
been cordially given to the Episcopalians to celebrate 
their festivals in the larger edifices of the Congrega- 
tionalists, which have been cheerfully accepted; and 
in two instances at h^ast, when the latter have been by 
sudden disasters deprived for a season of a place of 
worship, the doors of Christ's Church have been freely 
opened to them. One instance from the records ma}" 
be given. 

" At a legal meeting of the Episcopal Parish of Christ's 
Church, in Norwich, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1794, Thom- 
as Mumford, Moderator, 

Voted, that this meeting, taking into consideration that 
the Presbyterian church in this place, of which the Rev. 
Walter King is Pastor, are destitute of a convenient place 
in which to attend public worship, their meeting-house hav- 
ing been lately destroyed by fire, do consent to accommodate 
said Presbyterian societ}- until Easter Monday, 1795, as fol- 
lows : the Rev'' John Tyler, our present pastor, to perform 
divine service one half the day on each Sabbath, and the 
Rev. Walter King, pastor of said Presbyterian congregation, 
to perform divine service the other half of said Sabbath, 
alternately performing on the first part of the day." 

For this kind and considerate courtesy, the obliged 
party passed a vote of acknowledgment and thanks, 
which was inserted upon the records of both societies. 
The offer was accepted, and this amicable arrangement 
lasted for three months. 



268 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Mr. Tyler died January 20, 1823, in the eig•llty-fir^t 
year of his age. He was an interesting preacher; his 
voice sweet and solemn, and his eloquence persuasive. 
The benevolence of his heart was manifested in daily 
acts of courtesy and charity to those around him. He 
studied medicine in order to benefit the poor, and to 
find out remedies for some of tliose peculiar diseases 
to v.hich no common specifics seemed to apply. His 
pills, ointments, extracts, and syrups, obtained a great 
local celebrity. During the latter years of his life, he 
was so infirm as to need assistance in the performance 
of his functions. Mr. Clark was his colleague for three 
years, and Mr. Paddock the last year before his death. 

Mr. Tylei was succeeded by the Rev. Seth B. Pad- 
dock, who oflficiated as Rector until the summer of 
1844. Salary $800, together with interest on the sale 
of the Glebe house and lot, which was $100 more. 

Mr. Paddock, after resigning his rectorship, took 
cliarge of the Episcopal Academy, in Cheshire. 

The Rev. William F. Morgan was consecrated Rector 
in September, 1844. 

In 1828 a new church was erected ; the old one hav- 
ing fallen into decay, and its dimensions becoming too 
limited for the increasing audience. The whole cost 
of the new edifice, together with the organ and furni- 
ture, was $10,500. More than half of this wasraised 
by voluntary contributions. The most liberal donors 
were Mr. Richard Adams and Mr, Jedediah Hunting- 
ton. The former gave $600 and the latter $500. It 
stands a few rods west of the old church, between the 
middle and upper streets. It is built of stone, in the 
gothic style; its dimensions sixty-five feet by fifty-two. 
It was consecrated by the Rev. Thomas C. Brownell, 
the diocesan Bishop, July 29, 1829. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 269 

The deed of the Glebe houselot having been execu- 
ted in favor of the S. P. G. F. P., it couhl not be alien- 
ated without taking some legal measures to obtain a 
title. A petition was therefore presented to the Gene- 
ral Assembly, in 1835, who passed an act vesting the 
property in the Society. 

Mr. Tyler is the only one who has died Rector of 
this church. His monumental stone bears this in- 
scription : 

" Here lies interred the earthly remains of (he Rev. 
John Tyler, for fifty-four years Rector of Christ's 
Church, in tliis city. Having faithfully fulfilled his 
ministry, he was ready to be dissolved, and to be with 
Christ. His soul took its flight from this vale of mis- 
ery January 20, 1823, in the eighty-first year of his 
age." 



CFI AFTER XXXI. 



Population. Inoculation. Division of the Ancient Town. Franklin. Newent. 
Bozrah. Long Society. Hanover. Portipaug. 

CENSUS OF NORWICH, JAN. 1, 1774, 

Persons. Families. Dwelling Houses. 

First Society . . . 1978 

West do 875 

Newent .... 641 

East 1100 

New Concord . . 932 

Chelsea 1019 

Hanover .... 323 

Eishth 453 



317 


283 


133 


111 


98 


92 


76 


69 


146 


130 


127 


104 


53 


44 


74 


68 



7321 1024 901 

Males under 10 1099 

Females do 1054 

Males between 10 and 20 916 

Females do. 749 

Males between 20 and 70 . . . . . . 1468 

Females do. 1574 

Males above 70 78 

Females do 94 

In 1779, number of families in First Society 367 ; 
persons 2184. In Chelsea 129 families, 1111 persons. 

The whole population of the town as returned in the 
Grain Book of 1779, was 7187. In 1780, 6541. It is 
evident that these returns are very inaccurate. At the 
latter date the population of the nine miles square was 
probably about 8000. 

It is said that at tlie annual election for Governor, 
in 1786, 900 votes were g'iven in Norwich for one can- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 271 

ilidate, viz : Governor Huntington. This, if it be a 
fact, illustrates the harmony of opinion that pervaded 
the eight societies, and shows the increased population 
of the place. Even in the present day, of almost nn- 
limited elective franchise, it is rare to find a larger 
proportion of the inhabitants of a town voters. 

These societies had, nevertheless, many local jeal- 
ousies, and vehement disputes on minor subjects. The 
Mason and Mohegan controversy with the State, at 
one time ranged the citizens into two adverse parties ; 
conflicting opinions respecting points of ecclesiastical 
discipline, at various periods convulsed the churches, 
and almost rent them in twain : and one of the most 
bitter contentions that ever disturbed the town, was 
occasioned by a dilTerencc of opinion with respect to 
the regulation of swine, viz : whether they should be 
confined, or run at large. Elisha Hide Esq., then a 
young man, was very conspicuous in this controversy. 
He espoused the cause oi freedom, and this eviMitually 
became the prevailing side. In 17G0, a conflict was 
begun, with respect to inoculation for the Small Pox, 
which canie very near being interminable. Individu- 
als had been agitating the question for mrtny years, 
and it Avas now proposed to the town in this form, viz: 
Will the town approve of Dr. Elisha Lord's pioceeding 
to inoculate for the small pox, under any regulations 
whatever. Passed in the negative. The subject was 
r^'sunicd again and again, with the same result. The 
., popular feeling was excited, almost to violence, when- 
ever the faculty brought up the question. In. 1773, 
we find Dr. Turner and Dr. Loomis opening a hospital 
,i for inoculation, on an island in the Sound, olT Ston- 
'I ington, the citizens on the main land strenuously op- 
posing the erection of hospitals. In 1787, Drs. Marvin 
and Tracy made an effort to obtain permission to open 



272 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

a hospital, somewhere in the purlieus of the town, but 
in vain. They afterwards selected a beautiful and re- 
tired situation on the banks of the Thames, in that part 
of the Mohegan lands called Massapeng, and thither 
people resorted from all the neighboring towns to be 
inoculated. Public opinion was, however, gradually 
changing, and in 1792, a special meeting was warned 
to consider the subject, under tlie expectation that a 
vote would be ol)tained, to permit inoculation within 
the limits of the town. This expectation was disap- 
pointed ; the opposition was vehement ; a majority , 
were in favor of the motion, but the law required two- i 
thirds of the voices present, and it was lost. The yeas 
and nays at this time were carefully recorded. The I 
conflict continued three years longer, but in 1796, a 
vote was obtained to open a house for inoculation, pro- 
vided it be in some obscure and thinly peopled part of j, 
the town. After this there was no further controversy ' 
on the point. 

The division of the town took place in 1786. This si 
was accomplished in the most amicable manner. In * 
full town meeting, on the question of petitioning the 
Assembly to have the town divided, there was but one 
vote in the negative. It was settled that the First and ; 
Chelsea Societies, should form the town of Norwich ; ?' 
Hanover, Newent, and a part of Long Society, a new 
town by the name of Lisbon ; New Concord, Porti- 
paug. West and Eighth Societies, should form the two 
towns of Franklin and Bozrali ; and that East Society 
should be annexed to Preston, the middle waters of 
the Thames and Shetucket being the boundary. The 
division lines were harmoniously adjusted, and com- 
mittees appointed from each of the new towns, to 
meet with one from Norwich lo settle accounts, ff 
assume a just quota of the debts, take their part of the 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 273 

town's poor, &c. The ancient town continued to have 
an annual meeting for several 3^ears, to see to tliose 
aflairs of general concern, which had not been fully 
distril)utcd or settled. 

This division of the town was undoubtedly a wise 
and salutary measure. But an historian who has hith- 
erto considered the nine-miles square as a beautiful 
whole, cannot but sigh to see the integrity of his prov- 
ince destroyed, and may be allowed to linger awhile 
over those relinquished societies which will hencefor- 
ward have a distinct history of their own. 

SECOND SOCIETY : WEST FARMS, OR FRANKLIN. 

In the year 1718, the Second Church in Norwich was 
formed in that part of Norwich then called the West 
Farms, or North Society. The settlements here were 
almost coeval with the Town-plot. Many of tlie sons 
of the proprietors removed to farms which by repeated 
divisions of land made by the town, fell to themselves 
or their fathers ; hence the names of Lathrop, Tracy, 
Abel, Gager, Hide, &c., soon became diffused through 
the adjoining societies. The Rev. Henry Wills was the 
fust minister at West Farms. In 1721 the church was 
favored with a great revival which added sixty-eight 
members to it; alarge proportion otit of a population that 
did not at that time exceed 400. Mr. Wills was dis- 
missed in 1749, in consequence of a division in the 
church with respect to Church government. The Rev. 
John Ellis, his successor, was settled in 1752, and 
retained liis charge about twenty-seven years. The 
latter part of the time he was absent from his people, 
having joined the Revolutionary army as chaplain, 
with their consent. Having decided to remain with 
the army, he asked and obtained a dismission from the 
church. After the conclusion of the war, he preached 
24 



274 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

awhile at Relioboth, Mass., but returned at length to 
his former people, and resided among them till his 
death in 1805. In 1745, upon the question of erecting 
a new meeting-house, a schism took place in this soci- 
ety. A party withdrew, and a new society was form- 
ed, which settled the Rev. Mr. Ives. This church 
however soon dwindled away, and was merged in that 
of the Separatists, which also in a few years became 
extinct. Mr. Ives removed to Munson, Mass., in 1758. 

The meeting-house alluded to above, is still extant, 
though unoccupied, as the Society has recently erected 
a more modern and convenient edifice. It stands upon 
a high hill, looking out upon a rich and extensive 
prospect of forest and cultivated field. Within the 
walls, all is sombre, plain, and antique ; the pulpit is 
at the side ; it has an entrance in front and at either 
end ; the pew frames and gallery resemble lace bob- 
bins; the sound-board, bearing in large figures the 
date of 1745, the pulpit and pulpit window are carved 
and painted in different colors; the pulpit cushions are 
of gray velvet, with heavy black tassels, and when the 
wind comes in through the broken casements, they 
wave like a hearse pall. This description applies to it 
as it was in 1830. One must have seen it filled with 
its varied congregation, and surmounted with the ihin 
and pallid face of its venerable pastor, and have heard 
his tremulous voice uttering the customary strains of 
exhortation and warning, in order to obtain the most 
striking impression of this old Puritan church. 

Rev. Samuel Nott, third minister at West Farms, 
was ordained March 13, 1782. This venerable minis- 
ter has preached his sixty-second anniversary sermon, 
and still performs all the duties of his oflSce, though jil 
more than ninety years of age. 

When th(^ two Societies of West Farms and Porti- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 275 

paug were united (o form a town, the proposition to 
give it the name of Franklin, is believed to have ori- 
ginated with Jacob Kingsbury Esq. This gentleman 
was Inspector General in (he army of the United 
States, and served his country faithfully both in the 
army and navy for a period of forty years. He was a 
desciuidant of Deacon Joseph Kingsbury, one of the 
fust pillars of the West Farms church. At the com- 
mencement of the revolution, he repaired to Roxbury, 
and entered the army as a volunteer, being then only 
eighteen 3'ears of age. He continued in the service 
until the close of the second war with the British, in 
1815. He was a member of tlie old society of the Cin- 
cinnati. His death took place at Franklin, in 1837. 
He was then eighty-one years of age. One of his de- 
scendants, Lieut. Charles E. Kingsbury, a youth of 
eighteen, died at Fort Mellon, in East Florida, eleven 
days before him. So near together fall the green tree 
and the dry. 

EIGHTH SOCIETY, OR PORTIPAUG. 

This is the society already mentioned, which broke 

away from the Second and established an independent 

church. It was not incorporated for many years. Mr. 

Ives was the first and only minister of the Congrega- 

' tional order. 

A free church has since been erected here by the 
voluntary contributions of a few individuals. By the 
word free, is meant that it is open for all denomina- 
tions of christians to occupy. It is however most gen- 
erally in the service of the Methodists. 

The Congregational church in Portipaug was con- 
stituted before that of Hanover, but the latter was first 
H incorporated as an ecclesiastical society. Hanover is 
therefore numbered as the Seventh, and Poitipaug as 



276 HISTORY OP NORWICH. 

the Eighth society. These ecclesiastical societies were 
the original divisions or districts in use all over New 
England in its earlier days. The great increase of 
other denominations has rendered them ohsolete. 

Portipaug, spelt also Pottapange andPettipaug, was 
the Indian designation of the place. The name seems 
to have been descriptive of a valley with a small 
stream Avinding through it. 

Franklin, which comprises these two societies is a 
farming town, that in 1840 contained about 1000 
inhabitants. The population has continued for a 
number of years uncommonly stationary. In 1810 it 
was 1161. In 1830, 1194. The extent of the town 
is about five, miles by four. It contains no considera- 
ble village ; arTd the only manufacturing establishment 
of any importance is a woolen factory, on Beaver 
Brook, near the Shetucket. 

NEWENT, OR THIRD SOCIETY. 

The laige tract of land lying between the crotch of 
the rivers Shetucket and Quinebaug, was acknowledg- 
ed by the English to be a part of the Mohegan terri- 
tory. At an early period, it was inhabited by a band 
of Indians tributary to Uncas, called by the first settlers 
Showtuckets. A great part of this tract, given or sold 
by Uncas to Capt. James Fitch, was commonly called 
" the ISOO acre grant." 

About the year 1694, Capt. Fitch sold out his right 
to 1200 acres of this land to Joseph Saflbrd, Richard 
Smith, Meshach Farly and Matthew Perkins, all of 
the town of Ipswich. 

In 1695, Joseph and Jabez Perkins, of Ipswich, 
made an additional purchase of 800 acres for ,£70, 
and in 1700, Matthew Perkins sold out his previous 
purchase to his brothers, the said Joseph and Jabez, 



HISTORY OF NORAVICH. 277 

and about the same time, John SafTord and Samuel 
Bishop, both of Ipswich, became planters. The whole 
tract between the rivers, except what was expressly 
guarantied by the town to the Indians then residing- 
upon it, was soon divided into farms, and leased out by 
indentures to various settlers. Jabez and Joseph Per- 
kins were accepted as inhabitants in 1701. These two 
brothers continued to improve their land in common, 
until the year 1720, when they divided it e(|ually be- 
tween themselves, and after obtaining an acknowledg- 
ment of their title from the town, it was still further 
divided by deed among their respective sons, the 
daughters being each provided for by a portion of j£'50 
in money. 

This land was at first considered a very choice part 
of the nine miles square in respect to soil, but the farms 
have since very much diminished in value. In 1725, 
the proprietors of the conunon and undivided land put 
an end to all controversy, by giving a quit-claim deed 
to Capt. Jabez Perkins, Lt. Samuel Bishop, Mr. Jo- 
seph Perkins and Mr. John Saffbrd, of all the Indian 
land in the crotch of the rivers, and of all contained 
in Major Fitch's ISOO acre grant, for the simi of ^£75, 
money in hand, paid to said proprietors, provided that 
they shall allow the Indians to enjoy the said Indian 
land according to the town grant. 

The ecclesiastical society in this placc^ was organized 
in 1723, tlu^ town having previously appropriated 
sixty acres of land for the use of the first mim"ster that 
should settle there. The affairs of the society were 
entirely under the control of the Perkins family, as 
appears from the following entry: 

"Jan. 17, 1720. In town meeting ordered, that if the 
Perkinses at their return from Boston, do not bring with them 
a minister to preach in the crotch of the river, or satisfy the 

24* 



278 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

selectmen they shall have one speedily, the rate-makers shall 
put them into the minister's rates." 

The Rev. Daniel Kirtland was the first minister. At 
his ordination, Dec. 10, 1723, the following ministers 
assisted : 

Dr. Lord and Mr. Wills, of Norwich. 
Mr. Mather, of Saybrook. 
Mr. Eslabrooks, of Canterbury. 

The church agreed to profess discipline according 
to the Cambridge Platform. They professed to believe 
" that all organized church acts proceeded after the 
manner of a mixed administration, and coidd not be 
consummated without the consent of both elders and 
brotherhood." 

Mr. Kirtland, after preaching nearly thirty years, 
became deranged, and his connexion with the church 
was dissolved on account of this calamity. He li\ ed 
to the age of 72, died very poor, in 1773, and not hav- 
ing had any monumental stone, the spot which his 
remains occupy in the burying yard is forgotten and 
unknown. He had married, soon after his ordination, 
Miss Marcy Perkins, by whom he had two sons, Daniel 
and Samuel. Samuel, born in 1735, is well known as 
the faithful missionary of the Oneida Indians, and the 
father of President Kirtland of Harvard College. He 
was a pupil of the Indian school founded by Dr. Whee- 
lock in Lebanon, and left Norwich in 1766, to go on the 
mission to which the remainder of his life was devoted. 
For forty years, his labors among the Aborigines were 
arduous and unremitted. 

The Rev. Peter Powers, successor to Mr. Kirtland, 
was ordained Dec. 2, 1756, but relinquished his charge 
in 1766, on account of the insufficiency of his salary to 
give him a support, and for some years, they were 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 279 

without a minister, in a weak and scattered state. 
Something- like a re-organization of the church took 
place in 1770 ; several of the Separates returned, and • 
Dr. Joel Benedict, a man of fine classical attainments, 
was installed pastor. He remained with them thirteen 
years, and then obtained a dismission, on account of 
the niggardliness of his salary. He afterward settled 
in Plainficld, and acquired a distinguished reputation 
as a Hebrew scholar. 

In 1780, Mr. David Hale of Coventry, was ordained 
at No went. He was the brother of the accomplished and 
chivalrous Capt. Nathan Hale, who was executed as a 
spy on Long Island, by order of Sir William Howe. 
Mr. Hale was a man of very gentle and winning man- 
ners, of exalted piety and a fine scholar. He carried his 
idea of disinterested benevolence to such an extent, 
that if acted upon, it would overturn all social institu- 
tions. He thought it to be a man's duty to love his 
neighbor, not only as himself, witli the same kind of 
love, but also to the same degree^ so that he should not 
prefer, even in thought, that a contingent calamity, 
such as the burning of a house, or the loss of a child ^ 
should fall on his neighbor, rather than on himself. 
Mr. Hale supplied the deficiencies of his salary by 
keeping a boarding school. As an instructor, he was 
popular ; his house was filled with pupils from all parts 
of the county, but ill health and a constitutional de- 
pression of spirits, obliged him to resign this employ- 
ment, and eventually liis pastoral oflTice. His mind 
and nerves were of that delicate and sensitive temper- 
ament, which cannot long endure the rude shock of 
earthly scenes. He returned to Coventry, and died 
young. Thus of four persons, successively ordained 
or installed over this church, not one diiui their minis- 
ter. The Rev. Levi Nelson, the present poster, was 



280 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ordained in 1804, a man of whom it has been said that 
he never had an enemy ; a rare character to be given 
of any minister in these days of division, doctrinal dis- 
putes, favoritism and change. 

The new society took the name of Newent, in fond 
remembrance of a town of that name in Gloucester- 
shire, England, from which the ancestors of Joseph 
and Jabez Perkins originally emigrated. The first of 
this family mentioned in the Norwich records is Dan- 
iel Perkins, who in 1682, married Deliver* the daugh- 
ter of Thomas Bliss, of the Town-plot. This connec- 
tion may have led to the emigration of the family 
from Ipswich, though whether Daniel was the brother 
of Matthew, Jabez and Joseph, is not ascertained. 
The death of a Mr. Joseph Perkins is recorded in 
1698. This was perhaps the father of the Newent 
family, who may have come in his old age to reside 
with his sons. Jabez married Hannah Lathrop in 
1698. Their sons were 

Jabez, born, 1699 Luke, born, 1709 
Jacob, " 1705 

It is from tiiis line of the family, that the veneral)]e 
Capt. Erastus Perkins, of Chelsea, is descended. He 
was born February 17, 1752, and is still living. His 
fatlier Capt. Jabez Perkins resided in the Town-plot, 
and about the year 1750, brought home one day from 
the woods, two young elms, which he set out in such 
positions as would throw their shade over the shop 
that he then occupied. These are now those lofty and 
wide spreading elms that nearly front the dwelling of 
Mrs. Daniel Coit. 

* Query: — a mistake for Dolindal See daughters of Thomas Bliss, 
page 99. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 281 

Joseph Perkins born in 1674, nianied IMartlui Mor- 
gan ill 1700. His sons were 

Joseph, born, 1704 Matthew born, 1713 
John, " 1709 VViUiam, " 1722 

Deacon Joseph died in 1726. His son Joseph, was 
a physician of large practice, and (he father of two 
physicians each more noted than himself. The sec- 
ond. Dr. Joseph, devoted a long life to the duties of 
his profession in his native town. In the latter part of 
his life, he had some seasons of slight mental distur- 
bance, and those who knew him well, always abstain- 
ed from asking his professional advice, Avhen he 
appeared without his knee-buckles ; - — such neglect 
being a sure indication that his mind was absent and 
unsettled. He died in 1794, having reached his nine- 
tieth year. 

Dr. Elislia Perkins, of Plainfield, was the celebrated 
inventor of the metallic Tractors. This was a method 
of curing diseases, by rubbing the patient in a certain 
manner with small pointed pieces of metal, steel or 
brass, which were thought to exlract the pain by ;i 
kind of magnelism. The inventor not meeting with 
much success among his countrymen — the nudical 
association of his native connfy discarding him from 
their fellowship as a quack — transferred the sphere of 
bis operations to England. Here the invention exci- 
ted considerable notice, societies were established in 
London and other places for the use of the Tractors in 
disorders of the poor, and reports were printed exhibi- 
ting numerous cases of cure. One of these societies 
established at Durham under the patronage of the 
Bishop, announced in 1805, tbe relief or cure of 200 
diseased persons l)y the use of Tractors. Dr. Peikins 



282 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

soon afterwards died, and his Tractors have long disap- 
peared from medical use. 

Lieut. Samuel Bishop, and his brother John, were 
also emigrants from Ipswich. Samuel, the son of 
Samuel, was married in 1706 to Sarah Forbes. John, 
the son of John in 1718 to Mary Bingham. The de- 
scendants of these brothers are numerous. 

SEVENTH SOCIETY, OR HANOVER. 

This society includes the south-west corner of Can- 
terbury, and the south-east of Windham, but the main 
position of it, united with Newent, forms the town of 
Lisbon. It was incorporated as an ecclesiastical soci- 
ety in 1761, and a fund of ^£1600 raised by subscrip- 
tion for the support of the ministry. The meetings 
were held in private houses, near the centre of the 
society for several years. The church was gathered 
May 13, 1776, and a house for worship erected near 
that period. The Rev. Andrew Lee was ordained the 
first pastor, October 26, 1768. He exercised the duties 
of this office for sixty-two years alone, and though not 
a shining preacher, was highly esteemed as a sound 
divine and a useful pastor. His published sermons 
give evidence of talent and research. In 1830, the 
Rev. Barnabas Phinney was installed as colleague 
with Dr. Lee, wiio was then feeble and infirm, though 
able to preach occasionally. This venerable man 
died August 2.5, 1832, aged eighty-seven. Mr. Phin- 
ney was dismissed in 1S33. 

The Rev. Philo Judson, was installed his successor 
the same year, but in December 1834, was dismissed 
to VVillimantic. 

The present pastor is the Rev. James Ayres, form- 
erly of North Stoiriugton. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 283 

Lisbon is an irregular township, its boundary linos 

being- mostly rivers. The inhabitants are principally 
farmers. 

Population in 1800, . . . 1158 

" ISIO, . . . 1128 

" 1830, . . . 1161 

" 1840, . . . 1052 

FOURTH SOCIETY : NEW CONCORD OR BOZRAH. 

The Fourth Ecclesiastical society was formed in 
1733. The Watermans and Houghs were some of (he 
fust settlers in this part of the town. Samuel and Jolm 
Hough removed from New London, where the family 
had been residents since 1650. This was first known 
as West Society ; that part before known as West 
Farms being then designated North Society. Permis- 
sion had been given the planters in 1715, to form a 
parish by themselves, but being unable to support a 
minister, they were not regularly organized until 
eighteen years afterwards, when they took the name of 
New Concord, and were released from all obligation to 
support the ministry of the First Societ)', on condition 
of maintaining a gospel minister at least six months in 
the year. 

The bounds between the two societies, were to be, 
the river, the brook that runs out of it^ the Cranberry 
Pond, the Cranberry Pond brook, the great sivamp, the 
dark swamp, and the mirij swamp. It might be a dilH- 
cult task, at the present day, to run the line from these 
data. The Rev. Benjamin Throop, the first regular 
minister, was settled January 3, 1738, and died 1785. 
This Society afterwards became familiarly known as 
Bozrah, which name it retained upon being incorpora- 
ted into a town in 1786. 

Bozrah is four and a half miles long, and about four 
in breadth. Like other parts of the nine miles squaie, 



284 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

it consists of a succession of hills and vallies, some of 
them rocky and barren, others fair and fertile. " The 
Woody Vales of Bozrah ! " has been a familiar phrase 
in the vicinity, from its having been the chorus of a 
poem written by one of Bozrah's sentimental daugh- 
ters. The chorus is perhaps the only relic of the pro- 
duction that survives. 

This town has three houses of public worship, Con- 
gregational, Baptist and Methodist ; and two cotton 
factories with villages adjoining, viz : Bozrahville and 
Fitchville, both on Yantic river. The latter was built 
by Nehemiah H. Fitch Esq., and his brothers in 1832. 
It [■> five miles from Norwich city. Bozrahville is 
eight miles from the city, on and near the dividing line 
between Bozrah and Lebanon. 

In 1786, the Rev. Jonathan Murdoch was ordained 
pastor of the Congregational Church in Bozrah. He 
died in 1812. The Rev. David Austin was installed 
his successor in 1815. This gentleman was a native 
of New Haven, born in 1760, and fitted by an accom- 
plished education and foreign travel, to become an 
ornament to society, as well as by ardent piety, and a 
lively and florid eloquence to be useful in the ministry. 
He married Lydia, daughter of Dr. Joshua Lathrop,of 
Norwich, and settled as pastor of the church in Eliza- 
bethtown, in 1788. The kindness of his heart and the 
suavity of his manner endeared him to all who knew 
him, while his zeal in the performance of his duties, 
and his popular pulpit talents, made him successful in 
his office, and extensively known as a preacher. It is 
to him that Gov. Livingston alludes in the following 
lines of his poem on Philosophic Solitude. 

" Dear A***** too should grace my rural seat, 
Forever welcome to the green retreat ; 
Heaven for the cause of righteousness designed, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH, 285 

His florid genius and capacious mind. 
Oft have I seen him 'mid the adoring throng, 
Celestial truths devolving from his tongue : 
Oft o'er the listening audience seen him stand, 
Divinely speak, and graceful wave his hand." 

Mr. Austin was naturally eccentric, and had always 
something- erratic and extravagant in his manner of 
thinking, speaking and acting. Unhappily his mind 
was led to investigate, too deeply for its strength, the 
prophecies ; his ardent imagination became inflamed, 
his benevolent heart dilated to overflowing, and his 
mental powers became partially deranged. He now 
appeared as a champion of the Second Advent doc- 
trine, and held that the coming of Christ to connnence 
his personal reign on earth, would be on the fourth 
Sabbath of May, 1796. On the morning of that day, 
he was in a state of great agitation, and one or (wo re- 
ports of distant thunder excited him almost to frenzy. 
But the day passed over as usual ; yet the disappoint- 
ment did not cure the delusion of Mr. Austin's mind. 

He now went round the country announcing the 
near approach of Christ's coming, and calling upon 
the Jews to assemble and make preparations to return 
to their own land. He declared himself to be 
commissioned as Christ's forerunner, a second John 
tlie Baptist, appointed to establish the new millenial 
church upon earth. His vagaries every day increasing, 
in 1797, he was removed by the Presbytery from his 
pastoral relation to the church at Elizabetbtown, He 
then went to New Haven, where he erected several 
j large houses and a wharf, for the use of the Jews, 
whom he invited to assemble there, and embark for 
the Holy Land. Having at last, in this and other 
plans, expended an ample fortune, he was for a while 
imprisoned for debt, and after being released from con- 
25 



286 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

finement, gradually became calm and sane upon all 
points except the prophecies. He had no children, 
and his wife had long before taken refuge in her 
father's house, in Norwich. Here, too, Mr. Austin 
returned after his wanderings, like the dove to the ark, 
and after awhile the balance of his mind seemed to be 
restored, and he began again to preach with acceptance 
in various churches in Connecticut. 

In 1815, he accepted a call to settle in Bozrah, and 
from that time till his death quietly and regularly 
preached the gospel of salvation. But though he per- 
formed all the duties of a pastor, and was much es- 
teemed and l)eloved by his people, he continued still 
to reside in Norwich, where he died, in 1831. 

For elegance of manners, for brilliancy of conversa- 
tion, for fervor of worship, for a large heart and a lib- 
eral hand, few men could surpass Mr. Austin. The 
darkness that obscured his intellect on many points, 
and which was never wholly removed, appeared not 
to impair in the least those prominent trails, that lay 
deep and shone through, to illustrate his character, 
and to win for him the love and admiration of all who 
came within his sphere. 

LONG SOCIETY. 

The fifth ecclesiastical society was formed in that 
part of the town which lay east of the rivers Shetucket 
and Thames, then, as now, known by the name of 
Long Society. The ftirmers of this side of the river, 
in 1698, petitioned to be released from paying minis- 
ter's rates in Norwich, which was granted, on condi- 
tion of their paying in Preston. About twenty years 
afterwards, permission was given tliem to form a dis- 
tinct church, and sixty acres of land set apart for the 
first minister who should settle there. The society 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 287 

was not regularly organized till after 1740; but the 
Rev. Jabez Wight, who was the first and only minister 
ever ordained among them, commenced his ministra- 
tions some ten years earlier. Mr. Wight was born in 
1701, married Ruth Swan, in 1726, and died in 1783. 
His pastoral charge extended over a period of fifty-two 
years, but the date of his ordination is not ascertained. 

This society afterwards greatly declined. For many 
years they were not only without a pastor and any ad- 
ministration of the sacred ordinances, but without any 
regular religious instruction whatever. The meeting- 
house remained, and at long intervals a preacher's 
voice was heard in it, bat the members of the church 
were dispersed or dead, and the communion plate had 
not been used for many years, when the Rev. Mr. Glea- 
son, the Missionary of Mohcgan, administered the sac- 
rament, in August, 1837. 

Several persons in Norwich city have recently taken 
great interest in the situation of this society ; have es- 
tablished Sabbath and Singing schools there, obtained 
preachers, and cheerfully given their own services to 
advance the cause of religion. 

Long Society, since 1786, has formed a part of the 
town of Preston. 



CHAPTER XXXII 



Chelsea Society. 



The sixth ecclesiastical society was organized, at 
Chelsea, November 29, 1751. 

Capt. Dean, Moderator. 
Daniel Kingsbury, Society Clerk. 
Prosper VVetmore, CuUertor. 
Eleazer Waterman, > ^ 
Nathaniel Rirkns ( Committee. 

Capt. Jabez Dean was very active in promoting this 
measure, and in procuring ministers to preach to the 
new congregation. They began with hiring a minis- 
ter only four months in the year, and taxing them- 
selves 166?., old tenor, on tlie pound to pay for it. 
Tliey presented a memorial to the General Assembly to 
allow them to tax also the land of non-resident proprie- 
tors and ship owners, which was granted. This mode 
of paying for ecclesiastical services soon became very 
unpopular, and in 1755 they declared that they would 
pay their minister by subscriptions and contributions. 
This also was found by experience to be a very uncer- 
tain and perplexing mode, and as soon as they had a 
regular minister they agreed to raise his salary in the 
usual way, that is, by society rates. They first secured 
the services of Mr. Elijah Lathrop, of Windham, and 
afterwards of Mr. John Curtis, who preached for tliem 
three or four years, from four to six months each year; 
they only hiring a minister a sufficient part of tlie year 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 289 

to prevent their being- taxed towards supporting the 
ministry in the first society. Mr. Curtis boarded at Mi. 
Elderkin's tavern, where all the society meetings weie 
then hekl : public worship was at private houses, in 
rotation with all those who had a room suOicicntly 
large ; and it is saitl that at first, people were called 
together by the tap of the drum. 

In 1755, Mr. Cleveland was hired, and paid whatever 
sum could be raised by weekly contributions. The 
same year a funeral pall, and bier, and burying ground 
were ol)tained. The burying ground was purchased 
of Mr. Jonathan Bushnell ; it was a well-wooded lot, 
and (he wood cut from it paid tlie whuh; expen&e. 

In 1759, a vote was passed to call the Rev. Nathaniel 
Whitaker, of New Jersey, "provided he be regularly 
dismissed from his present charge." A salary of j6100, 
lawful money, was oll'ered him, with a settlement of 
.£100, to be paid when the general list of the society 
should amount to jGGOOO, exclusive of those church- 
men's estates, who were excused from paying minis- 
ter's rates. This invitation was accepted, and it is 
recorded, that in April, 1760, Mr. Whitaker, with his 
family and goods, arrived from the Jerseys, by water ; 
the society paying ^£12 for the passage and freight. 

On the 24th of July following, a church was organ- 
ized, with the assistance of two neigliboring ministers, 
Messrs. Wight and Throop, consisting of only six 
members, viz: 

Nathaniel Whitaker, Nathaniel Sliipman, 

Nathaniel Backus, Seth Alden, 

John Porter, Isaiah Tiffany. 

This last had been a member of the church in Leba- 
non. Seth Alden was a few years afterwards tried by 
a council of ministers, and excommunicated for drink- 

25* 



290 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ing to excess. A very strict personal inspection was 
exercised by the church, over its members at this pe- 
riod. At one time a charge was exhibited against one 
of the members of the church " for going to see the river 
break up on the Sabbath." The offence, however, was 
passed over with only a reprimand. A young woman, in 
a similar case, did not escape so easily. She had spent 
the night at a neighboring house, and returning home 
on Sunday morning, lingered by the side of the She- 
tucket, to see the ice move down with the loosened 
current, for which she was fined 5^. 

Mr. Whitaker was installed February 25, 1761. Mr. 
Lord preached the sermon. At this time, six other 
persons, previously members of other churches, signed 
the covenant, and united with the church, viz: 

Jonathan Huntington, Jabez Dean, 

William Capron, Eleazar Waterman, 

Caleb Whitney, Ebenezer Fitch. 

Difficulties existed in the infant church with re- 
spect to the plan of discipline to be adopted ; the 
major part were in favor of a Presbyterian govern- 
ment, others were for the Congregational form. The 
plan at length drawn up and agreed upon, was thor- 
oughly Presbyterian, and after the model of the 
Church of Scotland ; but Messrs. Backus and Shipman 
expressed their dissent and recorded their protest, es- 
pecially to one article which gave a negative power 
to the minister. A council was thereupon called, 
which met the day previous to the installation and re- 
commended that the Presbyterian plan should be laid 
aside, and no human form adopted at present, but that 
they should take the word of God for their rule and 
directory, in discipline and manners, as well as faith, 
and not use any platforms of human composition, fur 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 291 

their assistance in understanding this word until God 
should g-ive them light, in a more explicit manner. 
Having settled a minister, immediate measures were 
taken to erect a meeting-house. Public worship had 
for some lime previous been held at the tavern of Mr. 
Samuel Trapp; which was the house occupied by 
Benjamin Coit Esq., deceased. In the rear of this 
house tlie bell was fixed, being suspended from a scaf- 
fohling erected upon a rock. 

The first vote of tliis society respecting a meeting- 
house was in 1752, when they requested leave of the 
town to erect one " on the highway that leads from 
Col. Huntington's Crammer lot to the highway near 
Asa Peabody's house." At the same lime they ap- 
pointed Benedict Arnold,* Jeremiah Clements, and 
Gershom Breed, a committee to attend to it. Funds 
WHM-e not forthcoming, and the project was at that time 
abandoned. 

In 1760, Jonathan Huntington, Elijah Lathrop, and 
Epliraim Bell, w^ere a})pointed a committee to build a 
meeting-house. It was with great difficulty that they 
obtained a convenient spot for a site. The streets and 
buildings had not then extended up the hill, and land 
was scarce and valuable. A small piece of ground was 
at length obtained of Jabez Huntington Esq., and the 
County Court ordered a stake to be erected on it as the 
Society's mark. This spot was considered too circum- 
scribed, and the committee gave notice tliat the 
adjoining proprietors, Samuel Bliss and Daniel Tracy, 
would not sell an inch. The Court therefore ordered 
the stake to be removed. A warm controversy ensued, 
which greatly retarded the building of tlie church, but 
in 1764, another lot was purchased of Mr. Isaac Hun- 

* Father of him who betrayed his country. He emigrated from 
Rhode Island, and took the freeman's oath in 1739. 



292 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

tington, for 70^. the square rod, and permission obtain- 
ed from the Court to set up the stake there. A memo- 
rial was then presented to the General Assembly for 
assistance in building, and a sum of money granted 
from the treasury of the Colony for this purpose. 
This church was erected in 1766, and stood on the spot 
which Mansfield's row of brick buildings now occu- 
pies. The front was to the south. The length thirty- 
seven feet, ihe breadth forty-one. The interior was 
divided into thirt}^ six areas. A warm dispute arose 
whether the pulpit should be placed on the east or 
south side, but the party for the south prevailed. 

After the outside of the edifice was completed and 
the pulpit built, twenty-seven of the thirty-six spaces 
for pews were sold for the'sum of jC300. Two fami- 
lies were accommodated in each pew. These being 
finished, tlie bell was taken from its position on the 
rock and hung in the steeple. Joseph Smith was en- 
gaged to ring the bell and keep the house in order, for 
a salary of twenty shillings per year, and tluis the 
church was made ready for pul)lic service. Two 
rooms were afterwards finished in the basement of the 
house, and let out for storage* 

It may be interesting at the present day to read a list 
of the pew-holders, particularly to see who were asso- 
ciated in the same pew: 

No. 1. The Minister and his family. 

2. Seth Harding and William Rockwell. 

3. Sybile Crocker and Jonathan Lester. 

7. Thomas Trapp, Jr., and Stephen Barker. 

9. Jabez Dean and Elijah Lothrop. 

10. Johti Tracy and Peter Lanman. 

11. Joseph Trumbull and Jabez Perkins. 

12. Ephraim Bill and Hugh Ledlie. 

13. Ebenezer Fillimore, Jr., and Timothy Herrick. 
. 14. William Coit and Simeon Carew. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 293 

No. 18. Nathaniel Backus and Nathaniel Backus, Jr. 

19. Abel Brewster and John Martin. 

21, David Lamb and Moses Pierce. 

23. Benajah Le(fino;well and Ezra Backus. 

25. Benjamin IIunlin<2;ton and Nathaniel Shipmau. 

26. Joseph Smith and Isaac Park. 

27. Stephen Roath and Stephen Roath, Jr. 

The oinittc'd numbers wore allotted (o the space 
which remained unsold, until Mr. Judson's ordination. 
At that time, the remaining pews were built and 
assigned as follows : 

No. 4. Hannah Wio;ht and Joseph Kelley. 

5. Jacob De Witt and John M'Larran Breed. 

6. John and Peter Waterman. 
8. Benjamin and George Dennis. 

15. Caleb Whitney and Joshua Norman. 

16. Daniel Kelley and William Capron. 

17. Prosper Wetmore and Ebenezer Fitch. 

20. Dav^id and Samuel Roath. 

22. William Reed and Zephaniah Jennings. 

24. Joseph Wight and Lemuel Boswell. 

In the mean time, Mr. Whitaker had become unpop- 
ular with a part of his people. In 1765, the dissatis- 
faction was so great, that a council was convened by 
mutual consent, to reconcile the two parties, if possi- 
ble. Charges were exhibited to this council, against 
Mr, Whitaker, by Ephraim Bill, Prosper Wetmore, 
Peter Lanman, and the two Backuses, accusing him of 
neglect of duty as a clergyman. He on his part, accu- 
sed them of violent language and unchristian conduct. 
The council came to no decision on any of the charges, 
and the breach was left as wide as before. 

The same year the Connecticut Board of Correspon- 
dents for Indian affairs, made choice of Mr. Whitaker 
to go to Europe, in company with Occom, the Mohe- 
gan preacher, to solicit charities for the endowment of 



294 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

an Indian school. Tliey offered to supply his pulpit 
during his absence, but when Mr. Whitaker laid the 
affair before his church, they refused to give their con- 
sent to his going, while he remained their minister. 
In the society meeting, the vote was a tie. The appli- 
cation was again repeated, and again refused. A 
council of advice was called, whose recommendation 
exactly coincided with Mr. Whitaker's inclination, 
viz. : that he should be allowed to accept the agency, 
without dissolving his relation to the church. This, 
the society refused — a strong party being unequivocal- 
ly bent on effecting his dismission. A second council 
was called, who proposed that Mr. Whitaker should 
go to Europe as the Pastor of the church, but that he 
should relinquish his salary during his absence ; his 
people to have the privilege of settling another minis- 
ter before his return, if they chose j and if such an 
event took place, he was to be considered as dismiss- 
ed. If he should return before the settlement of 
another minister, a council was to be convened, to 
decide whether he should continue with them, or be 
dismissed. This conciliatory proposition, which ema- 
nated from Dr. Lord of the First Society, was ac- 
cepted. 

Mr. Whitaker was absent about a year and a half. 
He returned in 1768, and resumed his functions, to 
the great grief of the dissentient members. A council 
was convened the next year, that advised him to ask 
for a dismission, which he did. The society refused by 
a vote of twent3'^-eight to nine. The majority of the 
church declared themselves averse to a separation, as 
seeing no sufficient reason for it, and earnestly desir- 
ing his continuance with them. A second council was 
called, wdiich despairing of his future usefulness in 
this distracted state of the society, dissolved the con- 



HISTORY OF NOR-\VICH. 295 

nexion. Mr. Whitakcr was a man of fine talents and 
prepossessing appearance. He had manifested great 
interest in the prosperity of Mr. Wlieelock's Indian 
school at Lebanon, and in tlie welfare of the Mo- 
heg-an Indians, his neighbors. On these accounts he 
had been selected as a proper person to accompany 
Rev. Samson Occom, to England, to obtain funds for 
that school. They carried with them a printed book 
containing recommendations, and an exposition of the 
state of Indian Missions in North America. Mr. 
Whitaker's recommendation from his church is as fol- 
lows : 

" The Church of Christ at Chelsey, in Norwich, in Conn : in 
New England, to all the churches of Christ, and whom- 
soever it may concern, send greeting : 
Whereas it has pleased God in his Providence, to call our 
Reverend and worthy Pastor, Mr. Nathaniel Whittaker, 
from us for a season, to go to Europe, to solicit charities for the 
Indian Charity School, under the care of the Rev. Mr. 
Eleazer Wheclock, of Lebanon, and to promote Christian 
knowledge among the Indians on this continent : 

We do unanimously recommend him, the said Mr. Whit- 
aker and his services, to all the churches and people of God, 
of whatever denomination, and wheresoever he may come, 
as a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, whose praise is in the 
gospel through the churches ; earnestly requesting brotherly 
kindiu'ssand charity may be extended towards him as occa- 
sion may require ; and that the grand and important cause in 
which he is engaged, may be forvi'ardcd and promoted by all 
the lovers of truth. 

Wishing grace, mercy and truth may be multiplied to you 
and the whole Israel of God, and desiring an interest in your 
prayers, we subscribe 

Yours in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, 
By order and in behalf ^ Jonathan Huntington. 

said Church. ^ Isaiah Tifiany. 

Norwich, Oct21, 1756. 

The delegates were eminently successful in their 
mission, both in England and Scotland. A large sum 



296 HISTORY OF NORAVICH. 

was collected and deposited in the hands of trustees, 
part of it for a projected college at Hanover, and part 
of it for an Indian school. Some disagreement arose 
between Whitaker and his Indian associate before 
they left England, and they did not return togeth- 
er, though both reached home in 1768. Occom, in 
his confidential correspondence, throws out some hints 
with respect to Whitaker, which it is difficult to un- 
derstand. Perhaps he suspected him of embezzle- 
ment. Suspicions of his integrity appear to have been 
excited in the minds of many of the noble patrons of 
the charity in England. Whitaker was a worldly man, 
and his conduct frequently irregular. While he lived 
in Chelsea, he entered into trade, and attempted to 
juonopolize the vending of wine, raisins, &c. in the 
Society. At least, this was one of the charges exhib- 
ited against him. It is said, that after his dismission, 
he went to the South and died in penury. 

We next find Mr. Punderson Austin preaching in 
Chelsea : his perquisites were — his board at Mr. Ger- 
shora Breed's, paid by the society, [10s, per week,] 
and what he could obtain from weekly contributions. 

Mr. Ephraim Judson, of Woodbury, Conn., was the 
next candidate, and after a short experience of his 
ministry, a vote was obtained to call him to the pasto- 
ral office, nem con. He was ordained Oct. 3, 1771. 
Sermon by the Rev. Noah Benedict. Mr. Judson was 
a man of pleasing aspect, and had a fvdl and flowing 
eloquence at conmiand, but he was greatly deficient 
in energy and variety. He seldom used notes, and his 
sermons were usually in the colloquial style of common 
conversation; frequently using such familiar illustra- 
tions as would only be necessary for the most illiterate 
audience. For instance, in a sermon upon the Brazen 
Serpent, fearing his congregation would not under- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 297 

staiul what he meant, he repeatedly called it the Brass 
Snake. His expressions were sometimes very quaint 
and whimsical. Preaching atone time on the excuses 
made by the guests who were invited to the wedding 
least, he observed that one had bought five yoke of 
oxen, and civilly entreated to be excused, but the one 
who had married a wife, replied absolutely, fie could 
not come. Hence learn, said the preacher, that one 
woman can pull harder than five yoke of oxen. Mr. 
Judson once preached in the first Society, a sermon 
particularly addressed to young women, which, con- 
trary to his usual custom, was written out, and elabo- 
rately finished in the style of Hervey's Meditations, 
To make it more impressive, he introduced a fictitious 
character of the name of Clarinda, expatiated upon 
her wit and beauty, and the number of her admirers, 
followed her to the l)all-room, and other scenes of 
gaiety, and then laid her upon a death-bed with all the 
pathos of a romance. 

In 1776, Mr. Judson was appointed chaplain of 
Gen. Ward's regiment, and with the consent of the 
societ3%was on duty with the army for several months. 
A dwelling house still standing on the burying ground 
hill, was built for Mr. Judson, An agreement was 
made, that if he remained with his people more than 
five years, the house waste become his ownpropeity ; if 
he left them before the expiration of that term, it 
reverted to the Society. As soon as the five years had 
elapsed, i.e., in Nov. 1778, he asked for a dismission. 
The reasons he assigned were these : 1st, want of com- 
petent support : 2d, ill health ; 3d, negligence of the 
people in attending public worship. A council was 
called, who considering Mr. Judson's inability to study, 
and the great indiflference which prevailed with regard 
to his ministrations, very few attending on public wor- 
26 



298 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ship, dissolved his connexion with the church. Mr. 
Judson afterwards deeply regretted his folly in leaving 
his people, and in a subsequent visit, made after the 
settlement of another pastor, he preached to them, and 
at the close of his sermon, asked forgiveness of the 
church. He confessed, with streaming eyes, that he 
had done wrong, and many of the congregation were 
also melted into tears by his frank confessions, his 
penitence and apparent humility. This, however 
might have been done, partly for effect, for Mr. Judson 
never preached many years in the same place, and at 
length grew rich by repeated settlements — settlements 
being then in vogue. 

For several succeeding years, public v/orship seems 
to have been at a low ebb in Chelsea. Sometimes 
they had preaching and sometimes not. At one. time, 
Mr. David Austin preached to them for 40*-. per Sab- 
bath — subsequently, Mr. Zebulon Ely. 

During this period also, they engaged the services 
of Mr. Nathaniel Niles, a licensed preacher, who occa- 
sionally exercised his vocation, although he never 
wished a settlement. He established in Norwich du- 
ring the war, a wire manufactory, but afterwards re- 
moved to New Hampshire, and became a civil magis- 
trate, a farmer, and a judge of some court. He is now 
chiefly known as the author of the " American Hero," 
a sapphic ode, which was circulated and sung in Nor- 
wich, in those days of enthusiastic patriotism, and still 
lingers in the memories of some old persons who have 
never seen it printed. 

Mr. Niles left liehind liim in Norwich the character 
of a metaphysical preacher, fond of doctrinal points, 
and shrewd in drawing lines of difference. He was 
fearless, however, in denouncing popular sins, and 
calling upon men every where to repent. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 299 

III 1786, Mr. Waller King labored amoiif^ them, and 
was snccessfnl in his attempt to revive the decaying 
interests of religion. The church was re-organized, 
and the covenant solemnly renewed l)y Jonathan Hun- 
tington, Ebenezer Fitch nnd twelve sisters of the former 
church. Seven others made a profession of faith at 
the same time, and these, with Mr. King, formed a 
church of twenty-two members, only seven of them 
males. Mr. King was called to office by a vote of the 
societ}', thirty-five against one, and ordained May 24, 
1787. Sermon by Rev. Charles Backus. Mr. Judson, 
the former minister, then of Taunton, was one of the 
ordaining council. Mr. King's salary was j6125 for the 
first year, and to be increased 40.9. annually, until it 
should amount to <£135, this sum to be the stated sal- 
ary afterwards. 

No office seems to have been more irksome than 
that of coll(>cting the society rates for the payment of 
the minister. It was difficult to find any respectable 
person who was willing to serve as collector. In 1788, 
an agreement was signed by a number of gentlemen, 
and acceded to by the Society, that they would give 
in their names at the annual meeting, and one should 
be drawn from them by lot to execute this office, each 
engaging to serve whenever his name should be drawn. 
Another disagreeable office was that of Grand Jury- 
man. In 1746, Benedict Arnold being chosen to this 
office, refused to serve, whereupon the town imposed a 
fine on all who for the future should in like manner 
refuse. This fine was often incurred. 

The R(>v. Charles Backus, who preached the ordina- 
tion sermon of Mr. King, was born at Norwich, Nov. 5, 
1749, and in early childhood was bereft of botli of his 
parents, and with a patrimony insulficient for his edu- 
cation, was left to the care and generosity of his friends. 



300 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

They liberally supplied the deficiency, and educated 
him at Yale College, where he graduated in 1769. He 
studied Theology with Dr. Hart in Preston, was ordain- 
ed at Somers in 3774, and became eminent as an in- 
structor in Theology, although he declined the profes- 
sorship of Divinity, which was tendered to him by 
Dartmouth and Yale Colleges. He prepared between 
forty and fifty young men for the sacred desk, all of 
whom regarded their instructor with affection, admira- 
tion and reverence. He also sustained a high rank as 
a preacher. Dr. Dwight said of him — " I have not 
known a wiser man. He was excessive in nothing; 
firm in everything ; pre-eminently upright and benev- 
olent ; always taking the direction of sound common 
sense ; superior to the love of innovation, and to the 
rejection of it, when plainly recommended by truth 
and utility." He died in 1798. He had but one child, 
a promising youth, who left the world before either of 
his parents, in the 17th year of his age. His nephew, 
Dr. Azel Backus, who was also a native of Norwich, 
was the first president of Hamilton College, near Utica, 
N. Y. 

On the division of the town, only two Congregation- 
al societies were left in Norwich, and Chelsea,from that 
period has taken rank as the Second. 



CHAPTER XXXIII 



Schools. Cooks. Ainuseiuents. Gov. Huntington. 

TiiK war had a demoralizing ellect on all parts of 
the country. Neither the institutions of religion nor 
education flourislied ; but with the blessings of peace 
a very general improvement took place. Education 
began to be valued. The school founded by Dr. La- 
throp overflowed with pupils. Here you might hear 
lessons from Dilworth's Spelling Boole, and Curtis' 
Gramnuu' — compositions n^ad on the (nils of land 
speculation, a hobby of that era as well as of some 
later ones, or the thirty-two points of the compass 
rehearsed by some tyro in navigation. Mr. William 
Baldwin was a noted teacher of this school. Other 
schools of a high character were soon opened in the 
town. A private establishnment under the direction of 
Mr. Goodrich, called in boarders from al)road. The 
exhibitions of this school were deemed splendid, and 
great was the applause when Miss Mary Huntington 
came upon the stage, dressed in green silk l)rocade, a 
crown glittering with jewels encircling her brows, and 
reading Plato, to personate Lady Jane Grey, while 
young Putnam, tlic son of the old general, advanced 
with nodding plumes to express his tender anxieties 
for her, in the person of Lord Guilford Dudley. 

Trumbull's book store and printing oflice continued 
to be the principal establishment of the kind in town. 
The assortment of books did not extend much beyond 
26* 



302 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Bibles and school books ; yet here you mig-ht find 
Perry's Dictionary, Baron Steuben's Military Disci- 
pline, The Principles of Politeness, and the Economy 
of Human Life. Also, "Gravity and Motion," a poem 
for 4d., and " Cleveland's Hymns," for 9d. These 
were indigenous productions, by one of the town's 
own. 

The sports of men and boys were of a rougher char- 
acter than at present. Shooting at marks, horse-racing, 
wrestling, and ball-playing were favorite amusements. 
In the winter, sleighing parties innumerable kept the 
streets alive with bells, and the taverns gay with ban- 
queting. Strolling players were sometimes allowed to 
perform in town. An advertisement of 1794, gives no- 
tice of the arrival " at Mr. Teel's Assembly Room," of 
a party of Italian rope-dancers and tumbleis ; and the 
public were invited to call and see Clumsy the Clown 
dance a hornpipe blindfold over fifteen eggs. Elec- 
tions, training-days, and thanksgivings, were the cus- 
tomary holidays; and at tliese times a great variety of 
athletic exercises gave vent to the restless spirits of an 
active and energetic race. 

The most distinguished of all festivals in New Eng- 
land has ever been Thanksgiving. It is alwaj^s a day 
of hilarity, though the first part of it is devoted to a 
sermon. Family re-unions, bountiful dinners, weddings, 
trials of skill in shooting, and evening bonfires, are 
expected to grace the festival. The bonfires, indeed, 
are only the work of boys, but the high hills in Nor- 
wich are a fine vantage ground, from which these tall 
and vivid volumes of flame send forth a flood of light 
over the woods and vallies, houses and streams below, 
producing a truly picturesque eflect. 

Accidents have sometimes occurred on these festive 
opcasions. On the evening of thanksgiving dav, 1792, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 303 

a large beacon fire liad licen erected as usual on Wa- 
weekus hill, at the Landing. A swivel was also dis- 
charged several times, which unfortunalcly l)nrst, and 
one of the pieces, weighing about seven pounds, killed 
a young man by the name of Cook. It is said tliat the 
piece passed through his body, to tlie distance of thirty 
or forty yards, carrying with it his heart. 

A considerable lustre was thrown on the town-plot, 
by its being the residence of the Hon. Samuel Hunt- 
ington, Governor of the State. He was not a native 
of Norwich, l)ut for tlie last twenty-six years of his life 
made it his home. After the war, he built a new 
house, and lived in quiet dignity. A lively and happy 
circle of young people used frequently to assemble in 
this house, as visiters to the Governor's adopted chil- 
dren, or attracted by the beautiful Betsey Devotion, 
Mrs. Huntington's niece, and the belle of Windham, 
who spent much of her time here. After the social 
cluit and merry game of the parlor had taken their 
turn, they would frequently repair to tlie kitchen, and 
dance away till the oak floor shone under their feet, 
and the pewter quivered upon (he dressers. These 
pastimes, however, had little in them of the nature of 
a ball ; there were no expensive dresses, no collations, 
no late hours. They seldom lasted beyond nine 
o'clock. According to the good old custom of Norwich, 
the ringing of the bell at that hour, broke up all meet- 
ings, dispersed all parties, put an end to all discus- 
sions, and sent all visiters quietly to their homes and 
their beds. 

Mrs. Huntington was an afTuble l)nt very plain lady. 
It is siill remembered, that in a white short gown and 
stuff petticoat, and clean muslin apron, with a nicely 
starched cap on her head, she would take her knitting 
and go out by two o'clock in the afternoon, to take tea 



304 HISTORY OV NORWICH. 

unceremoniously with some respectable neighbor, the 
butcher's or blacksmith's wife, perhaps. But this was 
in earlier days, before Mr. Huntington was President 
of Congress, or Governor of Connecticut. 

Samuel Huntington was born in 1732, and descended 
inadirect line from Simon Huntington, one of the thirty- 
five proprietors of Norwich. Joseph, one of the sons of 
Simon, removed to Windham, in 16S7. Nathaniel, 
son of Joseph, was the father of Samuel, and by trade 
a clothier. He gave a liberal education to three of his 
sons, but Samuel he designed for a mechanic. He 
accordingly learned the trade of a cooper, and after 
serving out his time as an apprentice, continued to 
labor for a short time as a journeyman. This is only 
one instance out of many in the annals of our country, 
of persons who have risen to eminence from the hum- 
blest stations. Roger Wolcott, a distinguished Chief 
Justice of Connecticut, rose from following the plow; 
Roger Sherman was a shoe-maker. 

Mr. Huntington's mind was naturally acute and in- 
vestigating, and his thirst for mental improvement so 
great as to surmount all obstacles. From observation, 
from men, and from books, he was always collecting 
information, and he soon abandoned manual labor for 
study. He was self-educated — went to no college, 
attended no distinguished school, sat at the feet of no 
great master, but yet acquired a competent knowledge 
of law, and was readily admitted to the bar. He set- 
tled in Norwich, in 1760, and soon became useful and 
eminent in his profession. He frequently represented 
the town in the colonial assembly, was active in many 
ways as a citizen, agent for the town in several cases, 
and forward in promoting public im])rovements. He 
was appointed King's Attorney, and afterward Assist- 
ant Judge of the Superior Court. In 1775, he was 
elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 305 

served as President of that honorable body, dining (he 
sessions of 1779 and 1780. While in Congress his scat 
on the bench was kept vacant for him, and he resumed 
it in 1781. He held various other important offices, 
such as Chief Justice of the State, and Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor, and in 1786 was elected Governoi, and annu- 
ally re-elected by the freemen, with singular una- 
nimity, until his death, which took place at Norwich, 
January 5, 1796. 

Mr. Huntington was of the middle size, dignified in 
his manners, even to formality ; reserved in popular 
intercourse, but in the domestic circle pleasing and 
communicative ; his complexion swarthy, his eye vivid 
and penetrating. One who was long an inmate of his 
family said : " I never heard a frivolous observation 
from him ; his conversation ever turned to something 
of a practical nature ; he was moderate and circum- 
spect in all his movements, and delivered his senti- 
ments in few but weighty words." 

His wife was the daugliter of Rev. Ebenezer Devo- 
tion, of Windham, a charitable and pious lady, whose 
memory is still honored in the neighborhood where she 
dwelt. She died before her husband, in 1794. They 
had no children of tlieir own, but adopted and edu- 
cated two children of his brother, the Rev. Joseph 
Huntington, of Coventry, the author of " Calvinism 
Improved.''^ These were Samuel and Fanny Hunting- 
ton, who lived with their revered relatives as children 
with parents, affectionately and happily. They were 
present to soothe their last hours, to close their dying 
eyes, and to place their remains side by side in the 
tomb. They inherited from them, also, a very hand- 
some property. 

The daughter married the Rev. E. D. Griffin, Presi- 
dent of WiUiamstown College : the son removed to 



306 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Oliio, ill 1801 was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court, 
and afterwards Governor of the State for one term of 
office. He died at Painesville, Ohio, in 1817, aged 
forty-nine. 

Gov. Huntington preserved to the last those habits 
of simplicity with which he began life. In the pub- 
lished journal of the Marquis de Chastellux, he several 
times mentions Mr. Huntington with marked respect. 
At one time, in Philadelphia, he went to visit him 
with the Chevalier de la Luzerne, the French ambas- 
sador, and observes, "We found him in his cabinet, 
liglited by a single candle. This simplicity reminded 
me of Fabricius and the Philopemens." At another 
time he dined with him, in compan}^ with several 
other French gentlemen of distinction, and adds : 
" Mrs. Huntington, a good-looking, lusty woman, but 
not young, did the honors of the table, that is to say, 
helped every body, without saying a word." This, 
silence must surely be attributed to ignorance of the 
language of the gay cavaliers, and not to any deficiency 
of good manners or conversational power. 

Mr. Huntington was always a constant attendant on 
public worship, and for many years a professor of reli- 
gion. In conference meetings he usually took a part, 
and on the Sabbath, if no minister chanced to be pres- 
ent, he occasionally led the services, and his prayers 
and exhortations were solemn and acceptable. During 
his last sickness, he was supported and animated by an 
unwavering faith in Christ, and a joyful hope of eternal 
life. 

This sketch cannot be better concluded, than with 
the earnest wish breathed by a contemporary pane- 
gyrist, — " May Connecticut never want a man of 
equal worth to preside in hvr councils, guard her inter- 
ests, and diffuse prosperity through her towns." 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 



Commerce. Shipping. Men of Business. Lawyers. Gov. Griswold. Bridges. 
Highways. Turnpil?es. Somerset Lodge. Murray. Winchester. 

The spirit of ciitcrprize revived in Norwich immedi- 
ately after the Revolutionary war, and for twelve years, 
reckoning from 1784, commerce flourished, and was 
rich in its returns. The West India trade, especially, 
offered a lucrative source of business. Very little flour 
was then brought into Norwich; it was an export 
rather than an import ; more being manufactured in 
the place than was necessary for home consumption. 
Considerable wheat was raised in the state, even in the 
eastern part, where it is now a very unccitain ci'op, 
and less profitable than most others. The following 
table of exports and imports for a period of fifteen 
months, will exhibit in a clear light the industry and 
enterprise which characterized this period. It is taken 
from a newspaper of the day. ' 

Exports and Imports of Norwich, from January 1, 1788, 
to March 4, 1789, taken from the report of the Naval Offi- 
cer : 

Exports. 

d. 





£ 


5. 


d. 


£ 


5. 


549 horses, value. 


12 






6588 




205 mules, " 


15 






3075 




205 horned cattle, " 


7 






1435 




321 sheep, " 




10 




160 


10 


566 hogs, " 




15 




424 


10 


1,903 bbis.beef, " 




40 




3806 




1,774 " pork, " 




60 




5322 




25,000 lbs. butter, " 






6 


625 





308 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 



S. d. 



4 


1535 


6 8 


6 


137 


10 


2 6 


2000 




70 


612 


10 


80 


640 




6 


365 

2880 




2 


2500 




40 


1264 




60 


828 
20 





^34,218 



92,120 " cheese, " 

6,600 " ham, " 

16,000 bu. grain, " 

175 M. hoops, " 

160 M. staves, " 

14,600 lbs. hayseed, " 

576 bbls. potash, " 5 

25,000 yds. homemade cloth, 
632 lihds. flax seed, 
276 tons pressed hay, 

4 bbls. gingerbread, 5 

Total, 

Imports. 

European goods, value 
1,500 hides, " 12s. 
7,675 bu. salt. Is. M. 

112,625 galls, molasses, Is. Ad. 
18,300 " rum, 2s. 6d. 

1,271 lbs. bohea tea, 2s. 
20,700 " coffee, Is. 

417,200 " sugar, 



Total, £24,793 3 

Shipping belonging to the port at this time. 

Twenty sloops, . . . 940 tons. 

Five schooners, .... 325 " 

Five brigs, .... 545 " 

One ship, . . . . . 200 " 



£ 


s. ( 


3909 




900 




639 


11 


7540 




2287 


10 


127 


2 


1045 




8344 





Total, 



2010 " 



rf. 



In 1793, British privateers, began to seize American 
vessels in the West Indies, and for several years the 
commerce of New England suffered by these depreda- 
tions. Vessels w^ere captured, carried into British 
ports, and by the decrees of Admiralty courts, libelled 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 309 

and condemned. The merchants of Norwich shared 
in these perplexities ; many of their vessels were 
seized, and an uncertainty cast over their commercial 
projects. Public meetings were convened to see what 
could be done, and a memorial to Congress drafted 
April IS, 1794. A general spirit of arming in defense 
of the country was prevalent, and many spirited reso- 
lutions passed in the larger towns. In September of 
that year. Brigadier General Joseph Williams review- 
ed in Norwich, the third regiment of cavalry, under 
the command of Col. Elisha Egerton. An approach- 
ing war with Great Britain was then seriously appre- 
hended. 

The storm blew" over, and Norwich recovciing from 
this temporary shock, resumed her commercial impor- 
tance. Four or five vessels were sometimes to be seen 
on the stocks at once. Story's ship yard in West 
Chelsea, launched ships of 200 and 300 tons burthen. 

The increase of shipping for a few yeats after this 
period, was very rapid. In 1795, a list of vessels and 
tonnage belonging to the place, was made out in order 
to favor a petition forwarded to Government for the 
establishment of a Post-office in Chelsea. The follow- 
ing is a copy of this list taken from a draft in the hand 
writing of Joseph Howland Esq., than whom no man 
was better acquainted with the maratimc all'airs of the 
place. 

" List of Shipping belonging to the port of Norwich, 
October 12, 1795. 

Brig Union, 130 tons. 

': Endeavor, 120 " 

" Friendship, 120 " 

'' Betsey, 130 « 

<' Charlestown, 60 " 

" PoUv, ISO " 

" Sally ISO " 



Ship Mercury, 


2S0 


tons. 


" Columbus, 


200 




" Modesty, 


240 




" Young Eagle 


,200 




" George, 


364 




" Portland 


220 




" Charlotte, 


90 




27 







William, 


70 tons. 


Prosperity, 

Polly, 

Negotiater, 


90 
80 
90 




Friendship, 


90 




Bud, 


35 




1 Betsey, 

Mary, 

Hercules, 


45 
45 
70 




Juno, 


55 




Hunter, 


45 




Patty, 
Nancy, 


35 

70 
65 





310 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Brigi Sally, 60 tons. SI 

" Betsey, 90 " 
Schooner Polly, 90 " 

" Allen, 85 " 

" Elizabeth, 75 " 

" Chloe, 75 " 

" Washington, 65 " 
Schr. Shetucket, 70 " 
Robinson Crusoe, 120 " 
Schooner Beaver, 60 " 
" Jenny, 70 " 
Sloop Farmer, 85 '< 

" Crisis, 72 " 

" Honor, 65 " 

Total seven ships, nine brigs, nine schooners, seventeen 
sloops=forty-two. Total 4312 tons, of which only 210 
tons is owned in the old Parish, and 4102 is owned in the 
port or what is called Chelsea. The above does not include 
a number of river packets, or four New York packets." 

With the progress of time, the commerce of the 
port has greatly declined ; the articles exported are 
now needed for home consumption ; the maratime 
interest is merged in the manufacturing, and what 
shipping remains is employed in the coasting trade. 

Among the enterprising citizens of (his period, the 
following ranked high. Dr. Elihu Marvin, Col. Zab- 
diel Rogers, Gen. Williams, Thomas Mumford, Jo- 
seph Howland and Levi Huntington. Mr. Mumford, 
in his equipage, domestic establishment and table, 
exhibited a lavish style of expenditure. He built a 
new house on a large scale, and had one of the finest 
gardens in the State, his head gardener having been 
procured from Holland. The Howlands, father and 
son, were extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits. 
They afterwards removed to New York. Gen. Marvin 
fell a victim to the yellow fever in 1798. This fatal 
disease raged at that time with extreme violence in 
New London, but Marvin, himself a skillful physician, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 311 

was the only victim to it in Norwich. Col. Rogers 
died in 1807, aged 72. 

John M. Breed, Elisha Hyde, Roger Griswold, and 
Asa Spalding Esqs., were active as lawyers and public 
men. Griswold was conspicuous on political occa- 
sions. Breed was soon called to fulfill the duties of 
Mayor of the new city. Hyde was deeply interested 
in the land purchases on the Delaware and Susquehan- 
nah. Spalding was industriously engaged in amass- 
ing a large fortune. Yet it was then no easy matter 
to grow rich in the practice of the law. The price for 
managing a case before the common pleas, varied only 
from six to thirty shillings, and before the Superior 
Court from six to fifty-four shillings. 

The work of building and repairing bridges, is one 
that has fallen heavily upon the inhabitants of Nor- 
wich. The period of the erection of several has been 
already noted. To Whiting's bridge over the She- 
tucket, succeeded one built by Nathaniel Giddings in 
1757, which stood a few rods south of Samuel Roath's 
dwelling house. The land between this house and the 
bridge was granted to Mr. Stephen Roath, to improve 
for a corn-mill. The grant was made in 17G1, and it 
was to last seventy years. 

Gidding'sbridgewassoon condemned. Inl780,anoth- 
er wasbuilt on the samespot, under the joint direction of 
Norwich and Preston ; jE450, the avails of a lottery, 
was expended upon it. It was called the Geometry 
bridge, and was thoroughly repaired in 1792. The 
• river is here 300 feet wide. 

In 1817, Mr. Lathrop built the fourth bridge upon 
this spot, under the direction of the Norwich and 
Preston Bridge Company, which was incorporated in 
1816. The expense was $10,000. 



312 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

In 1767, the liist bridge was buill over the cove, 
where the wharf bridge now stands. The contractor 
was Mr. Gershom Breed. Great objections were made 
to the erection of this bridge, on the ground that it 
conkl not be made useful, from the high and precipi- 
tous hill on each side, particularly on the east. From 
Hyde's corner to the edge of the river, the declivity 
was then very abrupt, tliough the descent is now grad- 
ual. This is another instance, in which the work of 
levelling and filling up, has greatly altered the natural 
features of the scenery. Four years after the building 
of this bridge, the General Court granted a lottery, to 
raise money to refund to the undcitakers the sum they 
had expended upon it, [viz : j£60] to repair it, and 
make it wider. This bridge led to numerous meet- 
ings, plans and resolutions, in order to make it conven- 
ient and passable for teams, secure it from floods, have 
a good highway leading to it, make an addition on the 
south side, make two water-courses through it, appoint 
an overseer to receive wharfoge, &c. For all these 
purposes, a second lottery to raise j£300, Avas granted 
to the town in 1773. 

The bridge at Lnthrop's farm having been repeat- 
edly carried away by the spring floods, in 1792, Nor- 
wich and Lisbon jointly erected a more substantial 
structure nt this place, which was paid for by a tax. 
The spot is just aljove the junction of the Quinebaug, 
where the river is 212 feet wide. 

In the year 1790, Middle or Main-street was opened 
in Clielsea, at an expense of .£100, part of which was 
paid by the town, and part by individual subscription. 
This was a great improvement to Chelsea, though the 
plan was at first vehemently opposed by some of the 
owners of the ground. One individunl erected a build- 
ing directly across the western extremity, so as to close 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 3 1 3 

up the throat of the street, hoping thereby to put an 
end to the project. 

About the some time, the highways of the town 
plot were also very much inipiovccl. Dr. Joshua 
Lathrop very generously gave $300 to be laid out on 
the old town street, " between the brook at the corner 
of the meeting-house plain, and the house of the 
widow Reynolds." William Hubbard Esq., was like- 
wise a generous benefactor in this line. The road 
through " the Grove," from the Court-house to Strong's 
corner, was opened chiefly through his exertions. 
That very handsome street, the East Av(>nue to Cliel- 
sea, was also laid out by Capt. Hubl)ard, or rather 
straitened from the old road which was of a crescent 
form, the ends being at the store of Thomas Fanning 
Esq., and the house of Rev. Walter King. The same 
gentleman was likewise active in improving the road 
to New London, persuading some to give nioney, some 
labor, and some influence, until the object was accom- 
plished. A company was incorporated in 1792 to 
make this road a turnpike, and erect a toll gate. This 
was the first turnpike road in the State. In 1806, it 
was extended to the landing, by a new road that began 
at the wharf bridge, and fell into the old road, south 
of Trading Cove Bridge. In 1812, another new piece 
of road was annexed to it, which was laid out in a 
direct line from the Court House, to the old Mohegan 
road. 

The Norwich and Providence post road was made a 
turnpike in 1794. 

The Norwich and Woodstock, extending from Nor- 
wich to Massachusetts line, in ISOI. 

The Norwich and Salem, leading to Essex on the 
Connecticut river, in 1827. 

27* 



314 HISTORY OF NOE-WICH. 

The Shetiicket Turnpike Company to maintain a 
road through Preston, Griswold, Vol unto vvn, and Ster- 
ling, to the east boundary, was incorporated in 1829. 

About 1790 freemasonry began to be popular in Nor- 
wich. In 1794, Somerset Lodge was constituted with 
great pomp. The services were at the meeting-house 
in the town plot. Bishop Seabury preached a sermon 
in the morning, from 2 Corinthians v, 1. — "A build- 
ing of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in 
the heavens." A grand procession was then formed, 
which passed through the town, accompanied by a 
band of music; dinner Avas served in a rural bower 
erected upon the plain, and in the afternoon the Lodge 
again proceeded to the meeting-house, and listened to 
anotheL.sermon, from the Rev. Elkanan Winchester, 
from Psalms cxxxiii. 1. "Behold how good and how 
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." 

A digression may here be allowed respecting Mr. 
Winchester and Universalism. The doctrine of Univer- 
sal salvation, connected with abelief in the Trinity, and 
a purification from sin by a linntcd degree of })unish- 
ment in another state, ending in actual pardon, and a 
final restoration to the favor of God, had at one period 
a considerable number of advocates in Norwich, though 
no regular society, holding to such principles, was ever 
formed. Allusion has b< en ahdidy made to the Sep- 
arate meetings held in the town plot society. These, 
under Mr. Gamaliel Reynolds, graduall}^ took the 
character of Universalism. In 1772, Mr. John Mur- 
ray, the English Universalist, or "Great Promulgator," 
as he styled himself, came to Noiwich, being invited 
thither by Mr. Samuel Post, the near neighbor and 
friend of Mr. Reynolds. He preached a number of 
times to large audiences, and gained many admirers. 
From this period his visits to the place were frequent. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 315 

Tlie cluirch in the town plot being in the charge of a 
conmiittee oi" the society, who were not members of 
the church, lie was allowed the free use of it. He 
also preached in the Episcopal church, under the 
charge of the Rev. Mr. Tyler, and held a public dis- 
cussion with the Rev. Nathaniel Niles, in the Congre- 
gational chuich at Chelsea. 

Mr. Murray was a man of wit and humor; fluent in 
speaking, with the manners of a gentleman. His 
social powers were highly esteemed in Norwich, and 
though he built up no society, he left an abundance of 
seed sown, the produce of w^hich might be traced 
through the whole of that generation. 

At a later period, Mr. Winchester, who was born in 
the vicinity of Norwich, often visited the place, and 
had many warm personal friends, particularly in the 
First Society. The Society Committee freely gave 
him the use of the meeting-house to preach in, and 
the same courtesy was extended towards him by the 
Rev. Mr. Tyler. The persuasive eloquence of Mr. 
Winchester operated less, perhaps, in his favor, than 
his unblemished life, and the affectionate simplicity of 
his manners. His knowledge of the scriptures was so 
minute, his memory so retentive and amenable to his 
will, that his friend, the elder Mr. Shipman, whose 
house was his home, when in Norwich, was accus- 
tomed to say that if the Bible were to be struck out of 
existience, Mr. Winchester could replace it from 
memory. 

During the years 1794 and 1795, " Winchester's 
Lectures on the Prophecies," w^ere published in Nor- 
wich. The work was issued in parts; the first two 
lectures were published by John Trumbull; the re- 
mainder by Thomas Hubbard. Mr. Winchester died 
at Hartford, in 1797. 



CFI AFTER XXXV 



Greatest Fire. New Meeting-House. Second Congiregatioiial Society. Falls 
Church. Greeneville <;hurch. Fifth Congregational Church. Baptists. 
Methodists. Universalists. Ronuin Catholics. 

November 26, 1793, fifteen buildings were destroyed 
by fire in Chelsea. This was the largest fire ever known 
in Norwich. It raged from six to ten o'clock P. M., 
wind fresh from the N. W. It broke out in a store 
belonging to Messrs. Hubbard & Greene, of Boston, 
and was supposed to have been communicated through 
a fissure in the chimney, to some paper rags piled 
against it. The meeting-house, the dwelling-houses 
of Lynde M'Curdy, Levi Huntington, and Benadam 
Denison, stores occupied by Capt. William Coit, Coit 
& Lathrop, and he\\ Huntington, were destroyed. 
Two persons were badly wounded. The loss was 
computed at jESOOO. 

Mr. King's congregation being thus deprived of a 
house for public worship, assembled for three succeed- 
ing months in tlie Episcopal church, which, with true 
Christian hospitality, was tendered to them by the 
Trustees. A room was then fitted up for a temporary 
place of worship, and immediate measures taken to 
build another meeting-house, Mr. Joseph Howland 
and Mr. Thomas Fanning, owneis of two lots of land 
on the hill, opposite the dwellings of the Rev. John 
Tyler and Dr. Lemuel Bushnell, oflfered these lots, 
together with <£17, 10s., law^ful money, in exchange 
for the lot on which the old raeetin"--house stood. This 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 317 

location being approved by the County Court as a suit- 
able site for a meeting-house, the oflcr was accepted 
by tlie society. A h)ttery was granted by the General 
Assembly, to raise ,£800, and this, together with lib- 
eral donations from Thomas Shaw Esq. and Colonel 
Joseph Wdliains, enabled tbe Committee to commence 
building immediately. The dimensions of the new 
church were forty-two feet by sixty-two. It was com- 
pleted so as to make the first sale of pews January 1, 
1796. Precautious were taken to secure the building 
against fire, and among other regulations, the sexton 
was allowed to demand a cpiarter of a dollar for every 
foot stove left in the house after the meetings were 
ended. Mr. Lynde M'Curdy gratuitously ornamented 
the meeting-house lot with trees. 

The sale of the pews for the first ten years produced 
from four to five hundred dollars annually, — for the 
next six years, reaching to 1812, on an average, about 
$650. Mr. King's stated salary was $450 ; but there 
was generally an annual gratuity added to this, of $100 
or $150. 

In the year 1810, very serious and unhuppy diffi- 
culties arose in this church, which in tbe course of a 
few months greatly alienated the aifections of the min- 
ister and his people from each other. The next year 
the Pastor, Church and Society, nil united in calling a 
council, which met July 3, and consisted of the follow- 
ing persons : — 

Rev. Joel Benedict, D. D., Plainficld. 
" Elijah Parsons and Dea. Ephraiin Gates, E. Haddam. 
" Amos Bassett and Dea. Sylvester Gilbert, Hebron. 
" Azel Backus, D. D. and David Bellamy, Bethlem. 
" Calvin Chapin, Wethersfield. 
" Daniel Dow and E. Crosby, Thomson. 
" Dan Huntington and Dea. Chauncey Whittlesey, Mid- 
dletown. 



318 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Rev. Lyman Beeeher and Hon. Benj. Tallmadge, Litchfield. 
" Noah Porter and Hon. John Treadwell, Farmington. 

Tliis council sat three days, the third, fonith, and 
fifth of July, and voted to dissolve the connection 
hetween Mr. King and the people of his charge. 

Mr. King was subsequently settled inWilliamstown, 
Mass., and after a few years of labor there, died sud- 
denly in his pulpit, while engaged in the exercises of 
the Sabbath. 

The Rev. Asahel Hooker was installed Jan. 16, 
1812. He died the next year, April 19, 1813, aged 49 
years. This excellent man was descended from the 
Rev, Thomas Hooker, the first minister of Hartford, 
and one of the most famous of our New England wor- 
thies. His first settlement was at Goshen, from whence 
he was dismissed on account of ill health. He was 
distinguished as a theological teacher, and his death 
was greatly lamented. 

The Rev. Alfred Mitchell was ordained as the suc- 
cessor of Mr. Hooker, Oct. 27, 1814. He was a son 
of the Hon. Stephen Mix Mitchell, of Wethersfield — 
graduated at Yale, and studied theology at Andover. 
He was a man of retiring manners, but a faithful and 
zealous preacher, and exceedingly beloved by liis 
chnrch and congregation. He died at the age of forty- 
one, Dec. 19, 1831, uttering in submissive faith, as he 
departed, " The will of the Lord be done." 

These two last ministers lie interred in the burying 
ground at Chelsea. From the graves where they rest, 
the eye can survey the scene of their labors, and almost 
count the homes of that attached people, who listened 
with such deep attention to their instructions, and who 
followed them mourning to their tondjs. 

The Rev. James T. Dickinson, of Montreal, was 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 319 

ordained April4, 1832. Sermonby Dr. Taylor, ofNew 
Haven. July 30, 1834, Mr. Dickinson made a com- 
munication to the church, stating that he considered it 
to be his duty to become a foreign missionary, and 
requesting- them to concur with him in calling a coun- 
cil to dissolve his connexion with them. The church, 
painful as it was for them to part with a young and 
beloved minister, duly appreciated his motives, and 
cordially acquiesced in his wishes. A council was 
called in August, who unanimously concurred in re- 
commending the dismission of Mr. Dickinson. They 
expressed the highest confidence in him as a minister 
of the gospel, and affectionately recommended him to 
the fellowship of his christian brethren, wherever his 
lot might be cast. Mr. Dickinson received the appoint- 
ment of missionary to China, from the American Board, 
and after spending a few months in the study of medi- 
cine, sailed for Singapore in the barque Rosabella, Aug. 
20, 1835. 

Rev. Alvan Bond, the present pastor, was installed 
as his successor, May 6, 1835. Sermon by Dr. Hawes, 
of Hartford. 

The salaries of Mr. Hooker and Mr. Mitchell were 
$700 per annum. At the ordination of Mr. Dickinson, 
it was raised to $1000, and has since remained at that 
sum. 

In 1829, the meeting-house was enlarged, and the 
square pews made into slips, at an expense of $2250. 
An organ was also furnished by subscription. After 
this alteration, the sale of the pews produced annually 
from $1000 to $1800. In 1832, the debt of the society, 
amounting to nearly $3000, was paid by subscription. 

In the spring of 1844, the meeting-house was so 
much damaged l>y fire, supposed to have been kindled 
by an incendiary, that the society determined to build 



320 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

a new structure, instead of repairing the old. It is 
now partly completed ; the material used is dark blue 
granite from a quarry in the vicinity ; the style of arch- 
itecture, Roman; estimated expense, $14,000. 

A third Congregational Society was organized at the 
Falls in 1827, and a small brick church erected for a 
house of worship. Rev. Benson C. Baldwin ordained 
pastor, Jan. 31, 1828. This connexion was soon dis- 
solved. Rev. Charles Hyde installed in 1830. A 
new church, for the use of this society, was afterwards 
erected on the Little Plain. Mr. Hyde continued in 
tlie pastoral charge about three years. His successors 
weie Rev. J. W. Newton, ordained in 1834, and Rev. 
Thomas J. Fessenden. This society was always small 
and has since been merged in neighboring churches. 

A Fourth Congregational church, which ought now 
to rank as third, was organized in the village of Greene- 
ville, Jan. 1, 1833, with twenty members. A meet- 
ing-house was built the same year. Rev. John Storrs 
installed March 12, 1834. Dismissed April 7, 1835. 
Rev. Stephen Crosby elected pastor by an unanimous 
vote, in 1837, but never installed, on account of the 
stagnation of business at that period, which gave a 
temporary check to the prosperity of the place. He 
continued to officiate as pastor, till his death, in June, 
1838. Rev. Alphonso L. Whitman, the present pastor 
was installed Dec. 4, 1838. 

A Fifth Congregational church, consisting princi- 
pally of a colony from the second, was gathered in 
Chelsea, June 1, 1842. Rev. Mr. Child was installed 
pastor Aug. 31, the same year. The society are now 
engaged in erecting an edifice for public worship, of 
Chatham free stone, in the gothic style, to have a 
tower in the corner 135 feet high. Estimated expense, 
$13,000. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 321 

BAPTISTS. 

The earliest members of this denomination in Nor- 
wich, appear to have come from Groton, where the first 
congregation of Baptists in Connecticut was gathered. 
At least they imbibed their sentiments in that place. 
The first meetings were held about tlie year 1770, but 
the denomination increased very slowly, and though a 
small church was soon organized, they had no regular 
minister till 1800. On Christmas day of that year, 
Elder John Sterry was ordained pastor, and Mr. Dewey 
Bromley, deacon. The ceremonies were performed in 
the Congregational church at Chelsea. The first meet- 
ing-house w^as built in 1803, in West Chelsea. 

Elder Sterry continued their pastor till his death in 
1823. His successor was Elder William Palmer ; and 
to him succeeded Rev. S. S. Mallery,who was installed 
July 9, 1834. Mr. Mallery remained with them but a 
few years, and since his dismission the}' have had the 
successive ministrations of Rev. Josiah Graves, Rev. 
Russell Jennings, and Rev. M. G. Clarke. The soci- 
ety is now small, and is a second time under the charge 
of Rev. William Palmer. The present meeting-house 
occupied by this society was erected in 1830. 

A Second Baptist church was gathered in Chelsea 
in 1840, and Rev. M. G. Clarke installed their pastor. 
A meeting-house was built the next year. This church 
now consists of about four hundred members. 

Norwich has given birth to two of the most eminent 
men of the Baptist church, in America: — Rev. Isaac 
Backus, of Middleborough, Mass., and Rev. Thomas 
Baldwin D. D. of Boston. These were both descended 
from the first stock of Norwich proprietors. Dr. Bald- 
win was born at Norwich in 1753. The venerable Dr. 
Lord, of the town plot, was his grand uncle. He remov- 
28 



322 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

ed in early life to New Hampshire, and there joined 
the Baptist connexion. At the age of thirty, he was 
ordained an evangelist, and was for many years a faith- 
ful and laborious itinerant preacher. He was after- 
wards invited to Boston, where he settled, and by inde- 
fatigable study and exertion, attained a high rank as a 
preacher, and confessedly stood at the head of the 
Baptist denomination in New England. 

He died in 1825, aged seventy-one years. 

The Rev. Isaac Backus, a distinguished Baptist cler- 
gyman, of Middleborough, Mass., was the son of dea- 
con Joseph Backus, of Norwich, and born in 1724. 
His mother was a strenuous separatist. He was him- 
self educated for a Congregational minister, but went 
over to the Baptist communion, with the greater part of 
his church, in 1750, and by his influence and writings 
contributed greatly to the establishment and prosperity 
of the Baptist cause in America. He died in 1806, 
aged eighty-tv*^o, having been a preacher nearly sixty 
years. 

METHODISTS. 

A grave-stone in the Chelsea burial ground is erected 
to the memory of Mrs. Thankful Pierce, relict of Capt. 
Moses Pierce, " the first member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church in Norwich, who like Lydia, first heard 
the preachers and then received them into her house." 
This lady, while on a visit to some relations in Tol- 
land in the year 1796, met with the Rev. Jesse Lee, 
a noted preacher in the Wesleyan connection, and 
became deeply interested in his preaching; and shortly 
afterwards, on his way to Boston, Mr. Lee stopped at 
Norwich, and preached the first Methodist sermon 
there, in her house. Other preachers followed, and 
classes were soon formed both at Chelsea and Bean 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 323 

Hill. At the Litter place, Capt. James Hyde and Mr. 
William Lamb were the most noted among the early 
converts. In Chelsea, the society enjoyed for a while 
the fostering care of Mr. Beatty, a resident of the place, 
at whose house there was always preaching once a 
fortnight. But in 1804, Mr. Beatty, with several of his 
fiiends and their families, removing to Sandusky, the 
society seemed to be threatened with utter extinction, 
the only members of note that remained being two 
aged women — Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Davison. They 
were however kept together, and their numljers enlar- 
ged, principally through the exertions of a young man, 
who became an exhorter, class leader, and finally a 
local preacher in their connection. This was Rev. 
D. N. Bentley, who for thirty years may be regarded 
as the main pillar of the Methodist church in Chelsea. 
In 1811, a new class was formed, and a chapel built 
on the wharf bridge, which was swept off and destroyed 
by a freshet of the river, in the spring of 1823. The 
next chinch was erected at the Falls village, and 
thither the members from the Landing resorted for 
public worship, forming but one church and society, 
till 1835. A large and convenient edifice was then 
erected in East Chelsea, and a separation took place. 
Previous to this, the society on Bean Hill had erected 
a churcli, and a fointh lias since been built at Greene- 
ville. These are all nourishing, though not large 
societies. 

CNIVERSALISTS. 

The first organization of this denomination as a 
society was in 1820. A meeting-house was erected in 
1822, in whicli services were held, though with fre- 
quent interruptions, for a few years. The society then 
very much declined. In 1838, a church was regularly 



324 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

organized, and a new edifice for public worship was 
completed in 1841, on the site of the old one. The 
position is beautiful, the structure a pleasing one to the 
eye, and finished in handsome style. 

Since 1838, the church has been under the charge 
of three successive pastors. Rev. Henr}^ Lyon, Rev. 
J. V. Wilson, and Rev. R. 0. Williams. 

It is understood that this society are Unitarians in 
doctrine, and believe that all punishment is confined 
to this life. 

In 1844, a small Roman Catholic Church was built 
in Norwich, between Chelsea and Greeneville. 

NORWICH CITY. 

Norwich was one of the five cities incorporated by 
the Legislature, at the May session, in 1784. The 
boundaries included the First or Town Plot society 
and Chelsea. • 

The Mayor was at first chosen for an indefinite term. 
The succession is as follows : 

1. Benjamin Huntington ; elected July 13, 1784, 
and held his office till he resigned, 1796. 

2. John McLarran Breed; elected April 18, 1796. 
Mr. Breed was a distinguished lawyer and an estima- 
l>le man. He uas descended from Allen Breed, who 
emigrated from England in 1630, and settled at Lynn, 
Massachusetts. Gershom Breed, the first of the name 
in Norwich, appears on the records as early as 1750. 
He engaged in commerce and merchandize, and was 
a useful and active citizen. His three sons were John 
McLarran, Shubael and Simeon, all now numbered 
with the dead. Mr. Mayor Breed died after a long 
and distressing illness, in June, 1798. 

3. Elisha Hyde ; elected June 11, 1798, and served 
till his death. Mr. Hyde was a lawyer of considera- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 3'25 

ble repute, and a man of great urbanity and 
kindness of heart. He was born in 1751, and died 
December 16, 1813. His wife was Ann, daughter of 
Amos Halhim, of New London. Tliey had two daugh- 
ters but no son. His youngest daughter Ann Maria, 
died soon after hei father at the age of twenty-four. 
Of this lovely and accomplished maiden, a memoir 
was published by the companion of her youth — "who 
from life's opening pilgrimage had walked with her in 
the intimacy of a twin-being."* 

4. Hon. Calvin Goddard ; elected February 7, 1814, 
and held the oilice until 1831. Mr. Goddard was born 
at Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in 1768. After being 
admitted to the bar in 1790, he settled at Plainfield, 
Connecticut. In ISOI, he was elected a member of 
Congress, and was re-elected a second and third time, 
but resigned his seat in 1805. Two years afterwards, 
he removed to Norwich, having purchased that beauti- 
ful seat which includes in its domain, the burial ground 
of the Mohegan Sachems. In 1815, he was elected a 
Judge of the Superior Court, and held it till displaced 
three )^ears afterwards byahe changes consequent u})on 
a political revolution in the State. 

Since the year 1831, the Mayor has been annually 
elected. 

5. Hon. James Laimian ; elected June 6, 1831, and 
held the office three years. Mr, Lanman's father emi- 
grated from Plymouth, and settled in Norwich about 
the year 1750. In 1764, he married Sarah Coit, of 
Preston. His sons w'ere James, Peter, Samuel and 
Joseph. Mr. James Lanman engaged in the practice 
of law^ in his native town, and filled several important 
public offices, among which was judge of the Superior 
Court, and Senator in Congress. 

* L. Huntlev, now widely known as Mrs. Sigourney. 
28* 



326 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

6. Francis A. Perkins; elected June 1834; served 
one year. 

7. Charles W. Rockwell, June 1835 ; three years. 

8. Charles J. Lunman, " 1838; one year. 

9. William C. Oilman, " 1839 ; " 

10. John Breed, " 1840 ; two years. 

11. William P. Greene, " 1842; one year. 

12. Gurdon Chapman, " 1843, and is now 
Mayor. 

Whenever the commerce of the United States has 
been embarrassed, Norwich has suifered greatly. The 
year 1811 was a period of mercantile disasters all along- 
the sea-board. A subscription was taken up in Chel- 
sea that year, to aid the inhabitants of Newburyport in 
their greater distress. 

The gloomy scenes of the war with England fol- 
lowed. Even the coasters and small craft in Long 
Island Sound were subject to great risks, and frequently 
captured. The commerce of Norwich was entirely 
destroyed ; nor has the enterprize of the citizens since 
that period ever returned to this channel. It has 
sought out other sources of prosperity. 

In May, 1813, the frigates United States and Mace- 
donian, together with the sloop of war Hornet, were 
driven into New London harbor by a superior squadron 
of the enemy, and blockaded during the remainder of 
the war. The vessels were at length partially dis- 
mantled, and conveyed up the Thames river as far as 
Carter's or Walden's island, at the mouth of Poque- 
tannok cove, within three miles of Norwich, and there 
laid up till the conclusion of the war. Great and well- 
founded alarm, for fear of a sudden invasion, at this 
time existed in Norwich, and at no time since its settle- 
ment has it been so seriously threatened. Had the 
British succeeded in their attack upon Stonington, 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 327 

there is little doubt but they wonlil liave uiade a sud- 
den descent upon Norwich. A great number of mer- 
chant vessels were laid up in the harbor — three ships 
of war were in the immediate neighborhood — the many 
valuable manufactories of cotton, wool, Hour, &c., 
that were carried on in Norwich — the ship-yards, the 
public arsenal, &c., all combined to fix the eye of tbc 
enemy upon it, and at the close of the year 1814, its situ- 
ation was deemed very critical, and tbc minds of the in- 
habitants were filled with terror and anxiety. A petition 
was forwarded to tlie Connnauder-in-Chief for a military 
force to be stationed in or near the place, for its pro- 
tection. But happily the treaty of peace put an end 
to these alarms. 

The news of 'peace came so suddenly, that it threw 
the whole country into transports of joy ; all was en- 
thusiasm and ecstacy, and the rejoicings exceeded 
any thing ever before witnessed in America. The 
grateful tidings reached Norwich, February 13, 1815, 
and the citizens gave vent to their boundless joy in 
mutual congratulations, shouts, cannonades and illu- 
minations : rockets flew up from the hills, salutes were 
fired from the ships in the river, and these were echoed 
from the fortresses at New London, and those again 
were responded to from the British blockading squad- 
ron at the mouth of the river, till the wbole adjacent 
country was made glad with the tidings. 

The winter had been distinguislied as a season of 
severe frost; loaded sleds traveled on the bosom of 
the Thames in perfect safety ; and for several weeks 
persons might skate all the way from Norwich to N(>w 
London upon the river. But as soon as peace was 
])roclaimed, preparations were made to revive busmess. 
With the first loosing of the waters, the small craft 
spread their light wings ; the larger vessels that had 



328 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

taken refuge in the port were speedily equipped, the 
released ships of war proceeded down the river, and 
the whole ocean was again open to American entei- 
prize. 

1818. A Constitution of the State of Connecticut 
was formed by a State Convention, at Hartford, in 
August. Previous to this the laws find government of 
the State had been based upon the Charter of Charles 
II., granted in 1662. The new Constitution was sub- 
mitted to each town separately, and being accepted by 
the majority, was ratified. 

It was laid before the town of Norwich in October. 
The votes in favor of it were 194 ; against it 74. 

The next subject which agitated the town related to 
the location of the courts. The inhabitants of Chelsea 
demanded that tlie sessions should thenceforward be 
held in their quarter of the town. 

The contention on this subject continued many 3'ears, 
and reached its height in 1826 and 1827, when a strong 
desire to divide the town existed in the northern por- 
tion of it, and petitions to that cffc ct W( re presented to 
tire Legislature. 

The question with respect to the location of the 
courts was three times brought before the General As- 
sembly, and fully discussed, and twice tried in the 
Superior Courts, the decision being each time in favor 
of their remaining where they were. But in the ses- 
sion of 1833, the Assembly voted to refer the whole 
subject to tire representatives of the county of New 
London. These met in the City Hall, at Chelsea, 
September 19, and carried the question of removal, 
fifteen to eight. All opposition on the other side ceased 
from this time, and the transfer was made in peace. 
The struggle had continued about twenty-seven years. 

The northern section of the town petitioned the Leg- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 329 

islature to be separated from " the city," which was 
granted. The city limits since that period comprise 
only Chelsea and the Falls, with ;i section upon the 
river, extending to Trading Cove Brook. 

The Town House was erecf(>d in 1829, at an ex- 
pense of $9000. 

September 25, 1833, the city of Norwicli ceded to 
the county of New London the use of the City Court 
Room, and all the otlu*r rooms and appurtenances 
tliereunto attached, for the use of the courts. The 
city also procured a lot and erected a jail, at their own 
cost, and ceded them to the county. 

In 1838, the jail and jail-house, which was situated 
on the summit of the hill overlooking the port, Avere 
burnt to the ground. The fire originated in the cell of 
a prisoner confined for theft, and was kindled by him 
with a candle which he obtained from his wife. His 
design was merely to burn out the lock of his cell door, 
that he might effect his escape, but before he could 
complete his work, the fire got beyond his control ; 
the light was discovered, the alarm given, and all the 
inmates rescued. But from the difficulty of obtaining 
water, nothing could be done to nrr(^st the destructive 
element. 

The buildings have been re-constructed on an en- 
larged plan, and though the taste which located such 
an establishment in the most conspicuous part of the 
city, maybe questioned, yet the buildings themselves 
are pleasing objects in the perspective. 

The city has also suffered severely from otlier fires. 
In 1833, the paper mill of R. & A. Hubbard, and a 
cotton factory and store belonging to Williams' Manu- 
facturing Co., at the Falls, were destroyed by fire. 

In the summer of 1844, a large factory was burnt at 
Greeneville. 



330 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

Ill Febaiaiy, 1844, two extensive fires broke out. 
within a few weeivs of each other. By the first, four 
stores belonging to A. H.Hubbard, and Boswell's row, 
containing several stores and a dwelling house, all on 
Main street, together with a store-house on Shetucket 
street, were consumed. In the second, two three-story 
houses on Franklin Square were destroyed, together 
with several other buildings of less importance. 

Norwich goes far before any other town in the State 
in the value of its manufactures. According to the 
report made by the Assessors to the Secretary of the 
State in 1839, the value of goods manufactured in the 
preceding year, was $1,150,205. The town next to it 
in manufactures is Manchester, which was estimated at 
$695,500. 

INCORPORATED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES. 

" Thames Manufacturing Co., 1823 : for the manufactur- 
ing of cotton, woolen and iron : empowered to hold fifty acres 
of land: capital not to" exceed $300,000, shares $500. hi 
1825, this Company was anthorized to increase its capital to 
^500^000, and the quantity of land to 500 acres. 

Quinebaug Manufacturing Co. : 1826 ; for making cotton 
and woolen goods; capital not to exceed $1,000,000, shares 
$1000. 

Shetucket Manufacturing Co, : 1826 ; for manufacturing 
iron : capital not to exceed $500,000, shares $500. 

Yantic Manufacturing Co, : 1826 ; for manufacturing wool- 
en and cotton goods; capital not to exceed $30,000, shares 
$100. 

Norwich Manufacturing Co.: 1828; for manufacturing 
cotton or woolen goods ; capital $100,000, shares $100; 
empowered to hold land not exceeding 500 acres. 

Norwich and New York Manufacturing Co.: 1F29; for 
manufacturing cotton and woolen goods ; capital $200,000, 
shares $500. 

Norwich and Preston Iron Co. : 1829 ; for manufacturing 
castings, bar iron, nails, &c. ; capital $100,000, shares $500. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 331 

Creeneville Manufacturing Co. : 1833 ; for manufacturing 
woolen and other goods which may be deemed advantageous 
to tlie Company ; not to occujjy more than fifteen acres of 
hvnd ; capital not to exceed $50,000, shares $100. 

BANKS, &C. 

Norwich Mutual Assurance Co : incorporated in 1795. 

Norwich Bank : 1796. Capital stock not less than $75,000, 
nor more than $200,000 ; shares $100. 

Norwich Marine (now Fire) Insurance : 1803. Capital 
not less than $50,000 : shares $50. The name and charac- 
ter was changed in 1818; the object thenceforth being con- 
fined to insurance against losses by fire. Capital not less 
than $100,000 ; nor more thafi $300,000. 

Norwich Savings Society : 1824. 

Thames Bank : 1825 ; 2000 shares of $100. This bank 
succeeded to the business and privileges of the Norwich 
Channel Co. which had been incorporated in 1805. 

Norwich Market, at Chelsea Landing : 1825. Capital 
not to exceed $10,000. 

Quinebaug Bank: 1832; 5000 shares of $100 each. 
This bank was required to subscribe, as soon as organized, 
to the Boston and Norwich Railroad Company, $100,000, 
being one thousand shares. 

Quinebaug Canal Bank was incorporated in 1827, but 
never went into operation. 

Merchants Bank : 1833; 3000 shares of $100 each, with 
the privilege of increasing'to 5000. A bonus Avas required 
of this institution, for the improvement of navigation in the 
Thames, not exceeding $30,000 ; afterwards altered to ten 
per cent, on the capital stock actually called in. 

Merchants Insurance Co.: 1834. Capital not less than 
$100,000, nor more than $300,000 ; shares, $100. This 
company insures against disasters by sea, and losses by fire, 
on all kinds of mixed and personal estate. 

Mechanics Society : for aiding destitute members and 
their families Capital not to exceed $20,000. 



332 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

POPULATION. 

In 1830, the population was 5,170— in 1840, 7,239, 
of whom 4,200 were within the city limits. Males, 
3,368, females, 3,871. The number of electors regis- 
tered Oct. 15, 1844, was 1,383; which, allowing one 
in seven to be voters, would indicate a population at the 
present time not much short of 10,000. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The second Newspaper established in Norwich, was 
" The Weekly Register.',' ^It was conmienced in 1790, 
by Thomas Hubbard, on the town Plain. Six years 
afterwards, Mr. Hubbard removed to the Landing, and 
issued his paper under the designation of " The Chel- 
sea Courier." It has been continued to the present 
time, with slight variations of the title, and now bears 
the name of " The Norwich Courier." Several other 
Newspapers have been commenced in the place, and 
through the influence of temporary causes, or the power 
of editorial talent, have obtained a transient share of 
public patronage, but after an ephemeral life have dis- 
appeared. Such was the fate of 

The True Republican, by Sterry & Porter, 

The Native American, by Samuel Webb, 

Norwich Republican, by J. T. Adams. 

The News list, in Jan. 1845, stands as follows : — 

1. The Norwich Courier, published weekly and tri- 
weekly — by D. E. Sykes. 

2. The Norwich Aurora, commenced 1836 — by J. 
Holbrook ; now conducted by J. W. Stedman. 

3. The Spectator, commenced in 1842 — by J. 
Cooley. 

4. The Norwich Gleaner, commenced 1845 — by B. 
F. Taylor. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 333 

MISSIONARIES. 

The Foreign Mission Society of Norwich and vicin- 
ity, Wcas organized in 1812. In October, 1844, it held 
its thirty-second anniversary. 

In September, 1843, the American Board of Com- 
missioners for Foreign Missions, held their annual 
meeting at Norwich. There was a peculiar appropri- 
ateness in the assembling of this great association at 
that place, as Norwich has always been distinguished, 
not only for her generous contril)ution of funds towards 
the support of missions both foreign and domestic, but 
for the more costly offerings of numerous sons and 
daughters to the promotion of the cause. 

The following is supposed to be a correct list of the 
missionaries that have gone out from Norwich. About 
twenty of them were natives, and the others were for a 
considerable period residents of the town, befoie enter- 
ing upon the duties of the missionary. Two of them, 
it will be seen, belong to an earlier period than the 
organization of the American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions. One is attached to a Methodist 
mission ; one is an Episcopal clergyman in the employ 
of tlie Colonization society, and twenty-four have been 
in the service of the American Board of Commission- 
ers for Foreign Missions: 

Year. Names. Mission. 

1766. Rev. Samuel Kirkland, Oneida. 

1761. Rev. Samsom Occuni, (Mohegan,) " 

1S12. Rev. Samuel Nott, Jr., Mahratta. 

1812. Mrs. Nott, (Roxana Peck,) " 

1819. Rev. Miron VVinslow, Ceylon. 

1819. Mrs. VVinslow, (Harriet L. Lathrop,) " 

1820. Mrs. Palmer, (Clarissa Johnson,) Cherokee. 

1821. Rev. William Potter, " 
J 825. William H. Manwaring, " 
1826. Mrs. Gleason, (Bethiah W. Tracy,) Choctaw. 

29 



334 HISTORY OF NORAVICH. 

Year. Names. Mission. 

1827. Rev. Jonathan S. Green, Sandwich Islands. 

1827. Mrs. Gulick, (Fanny H.Thomas,) " 

1833. Mrs. Smith, (Sarah L. Huntington,) Syria. 

1833- Mrs. Pahner, (Jerusha Johnson,) Cherokee. 

1833. Mrs. Hutchings, (Elizabeth C. Lathrop,) Ceylon. 
1833. Mrs. Perry, (Harriet J. Lathrop,) " 

1833. Rev. Stephen Johnson, Siam. 

1835. Rev. James T. Dickinson, Singapore. 

1835. Rev. William Tracy, Madura. 

1835. Mrs. Hebard, (Rebecca W. Willimas,) Syria. 

1836. Mrs. Cherry, (Charlotte H. Lathrop,) Madura. 
1836. Rev. James L. Thomson, Cyprus. 
1839. Mrs. Sherman, (Martha E. Williams,) Syria. 
1839. Mrs. Brewer, (Laura L. Giddings,) Oregon. 

1839. Mrs. Cherry, (Jane E. Lathrop,) Ceylon. 

1840. Rev. Joshua Smith, Africa. 

1843. Miss Susan Tracy. Choctaw. 

1844. Miss Lucinda Downer, " 

RAIL ROAD. 

The Norwich and Worcester Rail Road Company 
was formed in 1832 ; the Legislatures of Connecticut 
and Massachusetts each granting a charter for that 
portion of the road which lay within their respective 
States. These two companies were united by tlie said 
Legislatures in 1836, the whole capital amounting to 
$1,700,000. The length from the steam-boat land- 
ing in Norwich, to the depot at Worcester, is fifty-eight 
and nine tenth miles, eigliteen of which is in Massa- 
chusetts. The materials used, and the workmanship 
were all of the best kind, and it is believed to be a 
road of as solid and durable construction as any in tiie 
country. It was first opened through the whole dis- 
tance, in March, 1840. 

Just beyond Greeneville in Norwich, the road forms 
a curve of 1,000 feet radius along the banks of the 
Shetucket, affording a fine view of the river, (he 
bridge and adjacent country. Three miles from the 
city, at the Quinebaug Falh", the company were met 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 335 

by an immense massof rock lying across their contem- 
plated route. Here a deep cut was channeled for a 
considerable distance (hrough afrioblc rock, but reach- 
ing- at length a bed of solid granite, a tunnel was 
excavated 300 feet in length, and twenty in width. 
The height from the bed of the tunnel, to the summit 
of the rock above, is about 100 feet. Sitting in the 
car and gazing upon the scenery, you suddenly find 
yourself gliding into the bosom of frowning cliffs, and 
enveloped in subterranean darkness. Yon come out 
slowly, grinding along the edge of a precipice, with the 
ragged, foaming, contracted river below yon on one 
side, and a barrier of cliffs on the other. 

The road for many miles keeps near the Quine- 
baug, which has every where tlie same characteristics, 
chafed and noisy, the banks bold, the bed rocky, and 
the edges disfigured by boulders brought down with 
ice in spring floods, and lodged along the water course. 

The section of the road from Norwich lo Jewett 
City in Preston, was the most laborious and expensive 
of the route. The course was winding, the radius 
short; the earth encumbered with rocks; the contract- 
ors lost money, and were obliged to throw themselves 
upon the company. The tunnel alone cost nearly 
$30,000. 

A large depot or station house was erected at Nor- 
wich, contiguous to the steam-boat landing, two sto- 
ries high, and 200 feet in length. It is situated just at 
the spot where the Shetucket contracts its course, 
turns a quarter round, and glides into the Thames. 
Here the company purchased a small rocky promon- 
tory called the Point, pulled down the buildings which 
covered it, blew up the rocks, filled the shallows, and 
constructed the station house, together witli a wharl 
and a solid stone wall. 



336 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

During' the severe flood in the spring of 1841, a bar 
was formed in the channel of the Thames, by an accu- 
mulation of sand brought down the Shetucket, 360feet 
in length, which it was found very difficult to exca- 
vate, so as to leave the channel of its former depth. 
In consequence of this bar, the steamboats which had 
before this occasionally grounded in the river, were 
now frequently delayed two or three hours upon their 
route. This obstruction, together with the serious incon- 
venience arising from the ice in the winter season, 
induced the company to extend their road from Nor- 
wich along- the bank of the river, seven miles to 
Allen's point, near Gale's feriy, where it is supposed 
that no serious obstruction will ever be presented by 
the ice. This part of the road was completed in 1843, 
and in regard to its location and scenery is altogether 
of a novel character. 

The Shetucket is spanned by a lofty bridge, after 
which the route is directly upon tlie brink of the 
Thames, being channeled along her banks and rim- 
ning over her coves and streamlets by bridges and 
causeways, affording views varied and picturesque in 
the highest degree. 

The Norwich and Worcester rail road having been 
constructed at a period of pecuniary pressure in the 
country, unexampled in its severity and continuance, 
it is no matter of surprize, though it certainly is of 
regret, that the public-spirited band of men who com- 
menced the undertaking and completed it under such 
discouragements, should have suffered severely in a 
pecuniary point of view by the measure. It is not 
often the case in this world, that they who expend 
their zeal and energies upon a great work, are the per- 
sons that reap the most benefit from it. They plan, 
and execute, and toil on with unceasing ardor to com- 



HISTORY OF N O R AV I C H . 337 

plete an undertaking and then arc swept aside, or pass 
away, while others enter into their labors, and enjoy 
that which costs them nothing. There is nothing dis- 
couraging in (his; it rather ennobh's measures which 
otherwise would be but sordid ; teaching the generous 
mind to enter upon its beneficial task, whether person- 
al advantage accrue from it or not ; to do good, and 
pursue noble ends by noble means, without too solici- 
tously expecting a reward, or indulging regret if it be 
withheld. 

HEALTH, LONGEVITY, DEATHS. 

Norwich may be called a healthy town. Though 
surroimded b)' running streams to a greater extent 
than most places, it contains no stagnant waters or 
marshy grounds. Fevers and chills are of rare occur- 
rence, and there seems to exist no causes for disease 
that are not common to the changeable climate of the 
State. 

The first three or four generations in this place were 
distinguished for longevity. Dr. Lord said in his old 
age : " When I first came here, there was a beautiful 
sight of venerable, aged fathers, and many of them 
appearing of the right Puritan stamp, the hoary head 
found in the way of righteousness." And he adds, 
" there is now some greater number of the aged, from 
seventy and upwards, than there was at that time." 
For want of accurate public registering, we have but 
few data on which to form any estimate of the propor- 
tions of diseases and dc ath. Dr. Lord stated in his half- 
century sermon (1767) (hat 1000 pel sons had died in the 
first society in fifty years — average number, annually, 
twenty — extremes, fourteen and thirty — 112 of the 
w hole number lived to be seventy or upwards, and one 
over 100: 390diedunder fourteen years of age. At that 
29* 



338 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

period, there were forty living at the age of seventy or 
upwards. 

Dr. Strong, in 1828, stated that the number of deaths 
in the society, for the preceding 50 years, amounted to 
1450, averaging twenty-nine annually ; extremes, six- 
teen and sixty-three. The inhabitants for each period 
cannot be exactly ascertained, but probably it would 
not be far frojin the tiuth, to estimate them at a medi- 
um, during Dr. Lord's ministry, at 1600, and during 
Dr. Strong's, 1800. Perhaps the variation has been 
even less. Good judges say tJiat the population of this 
society has been nearly uniform for 150 years ; emigra- 
tion and death keeps the balance in equipoise. 

According to the above estimate, the proportion of 
deaths in this society is about one in sixty or seventy, 
which is the usual proportion in all the healthy parts of 
New England. 

From 1787 to 1827, a period of forty years, Dr. 
Strong married 365 couple ; probably during that time, 
not more than half a dozen marriages took place which 
were not solemnized by him. These marriages ave- 
rage nine or ten per year. In the year 1796, he united 
twenty-four couples. From '87 to '97, 144 couples, 
averaging fouitecn per year. 

To illustrate the general health of the town, the 
following fact may be noticed. Dr. Strong built the 
house in which his son Henry Strong Esq., now resides, 
and lived in it fifty years with his family. He had 
three children, and usually kept two or three domestics, 
and yet his own death in 1835 was the first that had 
ever occurred in the house. 

A remurkal)le instance of longevity, viz., that of Mrs. 
Lathrop, who died in 1732, at the age of 103 years, has 
already been mentioned. The following instance is men- 
tioned in Dwight's Travels: "Ann Heifer,a widow at Nor- 
wich, Conn., died March 22, 1758, in her 105th year." 



aged 


80 


u 


80 


a 


77 


li 


76 


U " 


75 



HISTORY OF NORWICH 339 

Aged inhabitants of Norwich, present at a pohtical 
festival, in J 840. 

Erastus Perkins, aged 89 Ichabod Ward, 
Samuel Avery, " 88 Newconib Kinney, 

Seabury Brewster, " 86 Benjamin Snow, 
Christopher Vail, " 82 Nathaniel Shipman, 
Bela Peck, " 82 Zachariah Huntington, " 

Only one person, it is believed, has been killed by 
lightning- in the town. This was a young woman, 
sister to Thomas Leffingwell, the third of that name, 
who was struck dead by the descent of the electric 
fluid, while in the act of closing a window. The 
event occurred in the old Leffingwell house, in the 
Town-plot society. 

The number of suicides, for the whole period, can- 
not be ascertained ; but from the number of instances 
collected, it is estimated that they may amount to 
fifteen or twenty. The list comprises people in all 
conditions of life, and both sexes : — one was a respect- 
able woman, a wife and mother ; three or four were 
disappointed in love, but the majority were hard drink- 
ers or persons of immoral habits. 

The first suicide in the town, if we may credit tradi- 
tion, was Micah Rood, a man respecting whom several 
legends have been preserved, somewhat contradictory, 
and only partially harmoni'/ing with tlie brief notices 
that may be gathered from the records. The following 
is as connected a statement as can be made out of these 
various accounts, 

Thomas Rood, the father of Micah, was one of the 
first farmers that settled in Norwich. It is not improb- 
able that he came upon the ground with the first pro- 
prietors. He had a farm four or five miles from the 
town plot, in that part of the town which is now Frank- 



340 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

lin. His second son, Micah, possessed in 1715, a com- 
fortable farm "near the saw mill," The tradition is, 
that he introduced upon this farm a peculiar variety of 
the apple, of an early species, fair outside, and excel- 
lent flavor. One tree in particular, by assiduous culti- 
vation, had become large and productive. By what 
means he fell into poverty is not known. His old age 
was rendered miserable by the combined influence of 
want, and a depression of spirit, amounting perhaps to 
insanity. 

The following record is copied from a slip of paper 
found among the town books. 

« Norwich, Sept. ye 13, 1726. 
Att a Town meeting Legalley warned This ToM^n Desier 
the Present Selectmen to Agree with some sutabele parsen 
to keepe Micah Rood and his wife and the Town ingaege to 
pay what ye Selectmen shall agree for — Voted. — " 

Tradition says that Micah was intemperate and dis- 
honest, and that in a fit of remorse he hung himself 
upon his favorite apple-tree. Since which period, says 
the legend, every individual apple from this stock has 
been tainted with a speck of blood. It is an undoubted 
fact that the apples of this neighborliood, locally called 
Mike apples, received their name from him, as having 
been propagated from a tree upon his farm. It is true 
also, that this species of apple, generally exhibits some- 
where in the pulp, a small red speck, resembling a 
tinge of fresh blood. This, connected with the suicide 
of Micah Rood, affords sntflcient matter for a tale of 
superstition. 

It is strange that the commission of crime, which 
ought to make men afraid to die, should so often lead 
to self-mnrder. Yet notwithstanding this aggravation 
of their guilt, there is always something that awakens 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 341 

our sympathy in the fate of the .suicide. Take, for 
instaiTce, another case that occurred in Norwich, in 
which the victim was a poor negro slave, named Jock. 

He used occasionally to attend the new-light meet- 
ings, and had one or two seasons of being very religious. 
He courted a ncMghboring servant girl of his own color, 
but at length thinking himself ill used by her, in a fit 
of jealousy and anger, he one night took a gun, loaded 
it with bits of an old pewter spoon, which he cut up for 
that purpose, for want of bullets, went to the house 
where she lived, looked in at the kitchen window and 
saw her sitting by the fire witir her master's child in 
her arms. He leveled his piece, fired and hit her in 
the shoulder. Immediately thereupon he fled to a 
swamp in the neighborhood, where he remained (ill 
driven out by hunger. He was then seized and confined 
in jail. The bo3'^s under his window one day told him 
that the woman whom he had shot, was dead ; and that 
very night he hung himself in prison. His body was 
given to the elder Dr. Turner for dissection, and his 
bones formed into an anatomical figure, were long kept 
in his olfice,an object both of terror and curiosity to the 
ignorant and the cbikhen of the neighborhood. If 
obliged to pass the place a little tifter night-fall, they 
were sure to imagine that they saw Jock's ghost. 

But it is not only the stings of a tormenting con- 
science that lead to the commission of suicide. Few 
minds, without the aid of strong religious faith, can 
sustain a great calamity. Whenever therefore some 
uncommon misfortune crosses their path, they become 
desperate, loathe life, and seek relief in the grave. 
A more recent case of self-destruction that occurred 
in Norwich, is of too interesting a nature, not to be 
minutely detailed. 

Albertus Siraut Destouches, a French gentleman of 



342 HISTORY OF NORWICH, 

polished manners and respectable standing in society, 
settled in Norwich about the year 1790. He was a 
native of Boideaux, had been educated at Leyden, in 
Holland, and after seeing- much of life and manners in 
the old world, he removed to Demerara and engaged 
in commercial pursuits. From this place, he came to 
Norwich, where he entered into the mercantile line, 
purchased a handsome house, and married a widow 
lady of respectability. Being afflicted with a very 
painful disorder, he gradually withdrew from all busi- 
ness, and in a great measure from society. He had a 
large library, and endeavored to divert his mind with 
books, but so acute were his sufferings, that he was 
driven to despair, and life rendered odious to him. It 
was long, however, before he could convince himself 
that it would be justifiable in him to commit self-mur- 
der. He consulted various authors, and often conversed 
on the subject. At one time he endeavored, by high 
bribes and the most affecting entreaties, to prevail on 
one of his domestics to kill him, having a kind of nat- 
ural repugnance to the taking of his own life. While 
wavering in his mind whether suicide might not be 
justified by the laws of God, he addressed the follow- 
ing note to the Rev. Dr. Strong, of the first society. It 
will be given with all its peculiarities of idiom and 
circumstance. 

From my bed, March 30, 1796. 

Reverend Sir. — 
Having not the advantage of being particularly acquainted 
with you, nothing but your public character and known dis- 
position to oblige, would have emboldened a poor sick man to 
apply and entreat your reverence for the favor of granting 
me a little of his precious time for a short visit, as not being 
able to do it myself. Fettered in my bed, stranger, without 
friend or relation and actually as waving between sickness, 
pain, distress, misfortune and despair, I hope you will not 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 343 

refuse him that favor, and acquaint verbally by the bearer 
when may expect, when granted. In expectation of which 
I remain, Reverend Sir, 

of your Reverence 

the Humble Servant, 
Alb. Siraut Destouches. 
Reverend Mr. Strong, present, up town." 

In the interview with Dr. Strong, which succeeded, 
the fitness of religion to sustain the soul under all 
earthly trials, was the principal topic of discourse, and 
M. Destouches permitted his visiter to retire without 
laying before him the peculiar subject that engrossed 
his thoughts. This led to a second more extended 
letter, of which the following is an exact transcript. 

" Reverend Sir, 

As nothing but your kindness and your principles of human- 
ity only, authorizes me to disturb you again, and to intrude 
upon the precious time which your public character prescribes 
to devote to those only, whose similarity in their manner of 
thinking do coincide or agree with yours, permit. Dear Sir, 
that a poor unfortunate sufferer, who has no other claim or 
protector than the humanity and, (if I dare say it) the most 
rigid moral, trouble you again with this billet. 

When last week you did me the favor of visiting me, how- 
ever good it did me, as I did not touch the point or subject I 
desired, I will expose now briefly the main part of it, the 
rest being become, by my low situation now useless. 

1 hinted to you, dear Sir, in our last interview, how unfor- 
tunate I have been here since my arrival, in matter of con- 
cern, and I related you, and you was yourself witness of my 
suflering, but since "that time, I did experience an increase of 
pain (however now a little abated) which my strength does 
not permit to bear very much longer. Strength and hope of 
recovery are gone, and nothing is remaining but a most dis- 
tressing death which is the only end I have to expect, if I do 
not prevent it by an immoderate use of opium. 

But, Dear Sir, though I find in my distressful situation, 
r.'asons to justify such an attempt, which the remembrance 
of all my other misfortunes, and the consciousness of my 
own un-usefulness, any longer in the society corroborates, a 



344 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

certain doubt holds me back, and none of my books give me 
any satisfactory account pro nor contra. Paley's Moral Phi- 
losophy, Hume's and Montaine's Essays tell me not enough. 
You would oblige me much if to the revelation which speaks 
magisterially to the will only, you could procure me some 
arguments to illustrate my reason in so dark a matter, when 
nature has lost its influence upon our senses. Not daring to 
expect yourself for the answer, a few lines upon the paper 
may satisfy. 

Reverend Sir, your most Humble Servant, 

Alb. SiRAUT Destouches. 
Wednesday Morning." 

Dr. Strong after the reception of this letter visited 
the unfortanate sufferer repeatedly, and being now 
aware of the leading purpose of his mind, employed 
every argument that reason or religion could suggest, 
to divert him from its execution. But in vain — his 
resolution grew stronger as his frame grew more feeble. 
He became convinced that the act was lawful, and 
often declared that if his sufferings should increase 
beyond what he felt that he could endure, he should 
seek a violent relief. On leaving him one day, Dr. 
S. obtained from him, after much persuasion, his word 
of honor, that, at least, he would not commit the deed 
until he had seen him again, — holding out the idea 
that he would make the subject a matter of particular 
study, and hoped then to be able to produce argu- 
ments to convince Iiim that he ought not to destroy 
himself. Having obtained this promise, and fearing 
that another interviev/ would be as unsatisfactory as 
the former had been, he purposely kept out of the way 
of the sick man. Sometime afterwards he was called 
to attend a funeral, which obliged him to pass the 
dwelling of M. Destouches. He drove quick, in order 
to escape observation, but before he could get past the 
house, the unfortunate gentleman raised the sash of 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 345 

his chamber window, and waved his hand expressively, 
as if to say, "I see you," closed it again, and instantly 
shot himself dead. Upon the walls of his room was 
written several times, in imperfect English, with a 
pencil, — " ' Tis more as I can bear." 

M. Destouches in his will left the greater part of his 
books, which were mostly of an infidel character, to a 
gentleman in Leyden, (Holland.) His executors took 
great pains to fulfill his wishes, but they could never 
hear iVom the legatee, or learn whether he was living 
or dead. The matter was referred to the Legislature 
of Connecticut, who ordered the books to be deposited 
in the library of Yale College, until called for by some 
person duly authorized to claim them. 

Only tw^oexecutions have been ascertained ; these both 
took place on Long Hill, overlooking the town plot. 
The first was soon after the settlement of Dr. Strong, 
who preached the execution sermon. The criminal 
was a man of the name of Dennis, who killed a com- 
rade by a sudden stroke, in a quarrel. He seems to 
have been condemned by a sentence too rigorous ; as 
the fatal blow was dealt in a state of passionate excite- 
ment, and the victim was well enough to walk the 
streets for a fortnight afterwards. 

The other was in 1816. An ignorant mulatto, 
named Miner Babcock, about twenty years of age, 
stabbed his step-father, in a quarrel. They had fre- 
quently fought before, with fists and hard words, but 
this time Miner drew out his jack-knife, and in the 
scuffle, the old man, who was much the worse character 
of the two, received a wound, of which he died. Miner 
was hung upon the same spot where Dennis suffered. 
Both of these scenes collected a large concourse of 
spectators from all parts of the State. 

The village of Greeneville was established on the 
30 



346 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

purest code of morals ; not a foot of land was sold but 
upon condition that no ardent spirits should be vended 
upon it. Yet in its ver}^ infancy it received a foul blot 
upon its fair fame, from an act of atrocious villany 
which occured in its precincts. A man by the name 
of Sherman, a native of Rhode Island, killed his wife 
and child in the most barbarous manner; the child, 
on its mother's bosom, receiving one of the deadly 
blows aimed at the wife. It is supposed that he com- 
mitted the crime in a fit of anger, inflamed by intoxica- 
tion, for thongh, from the tenure of the lands in Greene- 
ville, he could procure no intoxicating liquor there, 
yet it was thouglit he had inflamed his veins with the 
deadly poison in a neighboring societ}^, from which he 
returned that evening. He was tried and executed at 
New London. 

FRESHETS, 

The annual breaking up of the ice in the rivers 
around Norwich, and the consequent overflowing of 
the waters, frequently occasion great damages. Mills 
and bridges are swept away, meadow lands devastated, 
fences destroyed, and individuals, as well as the public, 
sustain serious losses. Some parts of the town are, 
from their situation, peculiarly exposed to these rava- 
ges. The narrow and winding outlet of the Shetuckct, 
and the high banks that restrain it on the south, natu- 
rally tend to throw the accumulated swell of the river 
over the flat part of Chelsea. Only a few of the most 
remarkable of these floods can be here noticed. 

In June, 1778, a great freshet was produced by rain, 
without the aid of snow or ice. For two days, (tenth 
and eleventh of June,) the rain poured down without 
intermission, with all the vehemence that is displayed 
in a violent thunder shower. The rivers rose with 
great rapidity, to an almost unprecedented height, and 
caused great damage in and around Chelsea. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 347 

The most alarming- fieshet of these rivers that has 
occurred within the memory of any now living, was in 
1807. A heavy rain fell upon frozen ground and 
rushed towards the rivers. The ice began to break 
and move in the night, and (he rise of the waters was 
so sudden and terrible as lo cause great alarm and 
consternation. The bells were rung, and expresses 
sent to different parts of the town for assistance. The 
current swept over East Chelsea, and covered Main 
street up as far as the store of Mr. Charles Coit. A 
temporary embankment was formed at this place, by 
placing the mast of a vessel across the street, securing 
it l)y heavy stones, then placing rails and timbers upon 
it, and fdling in hay and straw to stop the leakage. 
The waters slightly trickled over this breastwork, but 
it kept off the main body until it subsided, which was 
in the course of a few hours. 

In September, 1815, at the equinox, a most destruc- 
tive gale of wind was experienced on the coast of New 
England. At Chelsea the tide rose to an unprece- 
dented height. Several stores on the wharves were 
swept entirely away, and others injured. On the 
wharf britlge the depth of water was five or six feet ; 
beating over it with such fury as to carry off (he mar- 
ket and a store adjoining. The market drifted up the 
river and lodged on the east side of the cove, thirty or 
forty yards above the bridge. All the shipping in the 
harbor was driven ashore, knocking in the sides of 
stores, and lodging almost in tlie streets. 

In March, 1823, the sudden rise of the river swept 
off several buildings from the wharf bridge : among 
them was the Methodist chapel, which passed down 
the river into the Sound before it broke into parts. 
This incident gave rise at the time to many jocular 
reports. The newspapers in some places published 



348 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

thai it bore oil" both pastor and flock, and that they 
were heard singing as they passed New London. They 
reported also that it had hmded Avhole on one of the 
islands, and that services would be performed there in 
future. A schooner from Providence, then in the 
Sound, asserted that it came driving by them in the 
night with lights in it,* 

To show the force of the water in this flood it may 
be stated, that the Yantic was considerably deepened 
in some places, by the removal of large stones. One 
that weighed more than a ton, and which had been 
placed in the bed of the river many years before, to 
support a foot bridge, was raised, carried up into a 
meadow, and thrown against a large tree. An oil-mill 
was swept oflT, with a considerable quantity of flax-seed 
in it. By the middle of May several meadows adjoin- 
ing the river were covered with young flax. 

MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS. 

Norwich abounds in springs of clear and soft water. 
Wells on the side hills generally require to be dug to 
the depth of twenty feet, ^^^(^ on the plains forty feet 
or more. In some few places the water is hard, and 
this probably arises from some mineral property of the 
earth through which it passes, as the town does not 
produce clay, which is the substance that most fre- 
quently prevents water from uniting with soap. There 
are some instances of wells that are alternately hard 
and soft, varying as different springs flow into them, and 
prevail at diflerent seasons. Those springs which are 
reached by blasting the superincumbent rocks, are 
almost invariably pure, while those which pass through 
earthy strata, are apt to be tinctured with these ingre- 
dients. 

* This incident gave rise to a little poem, by Brainerd, called " The 
Captain." Though but a fragmentary production, it is very graphic 
and highly finished. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 349 

The rock formations in and around Norwich, are all 
primitive, consisting of gneiss, hornblende and gran- 
ite ; of inferior quality for building, and of little use 
except for walls, cellars and wells. 

The valleys between the hills appear to form parts 
of an irregular alluvial plain. The late Daniel L. 
Coit Esq., a gentleman of intelligence^ and accurate 
observation, conjectured that this plain might have been 
at some distant period the bottom of a lake, which by 
the recession of the waters, or other violent cause, had 
been much changed in its aspect. This plain appears 
in an unbroken form between the town and landing, 
but it extends in an irregular and broken condition to 
Bean Hill, and it appears also on the west side of the 
Yantic, and on ihe south-west of the cove below the 
falls. It is distinguished by sand, loose gravel, and 
rounded small stones, entirely dillerent in geological 
structure from the hills adjacent, and intimating a sec- 
ondary foimation. No rocks similar to those which 
mark the hills, are found on the plains, and the termi- 
nation of the two regions is in some spots so abrupt, 
that Mr. Coit supposed some violent cause must have 
produced this eilect, and that probably the bed of the 
Yantic, if not of the Shetucket, was once as elevated 
as the plain, and the lake received its waters. The 
point of land, east of Mr. R. Hubbard's dwelling- 
house, seems to have been left by an eddy passing 
round the hill, and rushing into the basin below. It is 
worthy of note that the Great Plain, Sachem's Plain, 
and Chelsea Plain, are all on the same water level. 

On the north sidL' of Waweckus Hill, the descent is 
gradual, and rocks are scattered along the declivity. 
This primitive formation continues to the north, the 
rocks being occasionally found in the lots, even after 
the ground has become level, until it meets the allu- 
30* 



350 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

vion in the tliiid lot in the reai of the residence of 
Gen. William Williams. Beyond this there is not a 
rock to be found through the plain, and the earth a 
foot or two below the surface is composed of gravel 
and rounded stones. 

The well at the dwelling-house of the late Rev. Mr. 
Mitchell, the first opened on the plain, was dug forty- 
two feet, and through the whole of this depth, the 
earth was composed of gravel and rounded stones, 
from the smallest size to those of one or two pounds 
weight, without a drop of water until tliey reached the 
depth of thirl y-seven or thirty-eight feet, after which 
water was very abundant. The gravel was undoubt- 
edly too loose to contain water, which was not found 
until the alluvion was pierced through and the primi- 
tive formation reached, on which it rests. It is 
believed that similar appearances have been presented 
in digging all the other wells on (he plain. 

The scarcity of stone on the plains, formerly led to 
the cultivation of prim hedges, as being less expensive 
and more elegant than any other fence, and at one 
period many fields and gardens were surrounded with 
these beautiful hedges. Almost every homestead 
between the Arnold house, and the wharf bridge, was 
adorned with them, so that they were considered one 
of the peculiarities of the town. But from some causes, 
not well ascertained, there was a general failure of 
prim [Ligustium vulgare, Lin :] throughout the coun- 
try, about the period of the revolutionary war, and it 
has since been comparatively a rare shrub. Popular 
opinion sportively attributes the decny to the fact that 
the Rogerene Quakers were whipped with prim withs; 
and it was long maintained that the shrub could never 
again be made to flourish in the soil. It is not known 
that this deluded people endured any flagellation in the 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 351 

town subsequent to that of 1726, aud the hedges flourish- 
ed in all their beauty for forty years afterwards ; so that it 
is difficult to conceive how this idea orignated. How- 
ever that may 1)0, some recent experiments show that 
this mysterious sympathy with Quakerism has become 
extinct, and Norwich ma}^ yet rcxover her ancient rep- 
utation in this line. 

Few towns are better accommodated with gardens 
than Norwich, or receive greater returns for their culti- 
vation. The soil is siiital)le for tlu^ production of most 
kinds of fruit and vegetables. It is more moist on the 
sides of the hills than on the plains, and they bear the 
drought better, but arc more ba' kward. Home lots 
that are well attended, produce fine crops of grass. 
Fruit is abundant ; though plumbs and cherries are 
often much injured by insects, and almost all fruit- 
bearing trees have suffered from their ravages. There 
is a small insect that deposites its eggs in punctures 
upon the young branches ; and when the maggot is 
hatched, it feeds upon the wood and eats its way out, 
leaving a swollen excrescence, which destroys the fer- 
tility of the branch. Such at least appears to be the 
process. But a still greater enemy to the garden, is 
the rose slug, which has vastly increased during the 
last half centuiy, and has been very destructive both 
to fruits and shrubs. 

Within a few years the vergaloo pear has very much 
degenerated, but the cause is not ascertained. The 
canlcer worm has not been very troublesome since the 
year 1794, ;it which time it was very injurious. In the 
month of June of that year, there was a remarkably 
cold and tedious storm, which seemed to drive them 
away for that season; for tliey were very numerous on 
the trees the day before the storm, and none to be 
found after it. The storm could have only operated in 



352 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

hastening their departure for the season. Dr. Dwight 
supposes them to have received their death blow 
throughout this region, in the month of March, 1795, 
v/hile in the miller state. 



DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH. 

Norwich consists of an assemblage of villages along 
the banks of the Yantic and Shetucket, with a broad 
extent of woods and barren heights, interspersed with 
farms moderately fertile, spreading like wings to the 
N. E. and S. W. The villages are six. The most 
northern is a small manufacturing village, called Yan- 
ticville, and consisting principally of families connect- 
ed with the large flannel and carpet factories under the 
agency of Erastus Williams Esq. There is one quite 
ancient house in this group, formerly owned by Eli- 
jah Backus Esq., and still the residence of the family. 

Bean Hill, now called Westville, was the northern 
limit of the Town Plot ; many of the descendants of 
the first settlers reside here on the old homesteads; 
Hydes, Backuses, Huntingtons, &c. There is a Meth- 
odist Church, a pottery and satinet factory in this part 
of the town. 

The Town^ a central section, locally so called, is 
principally built around an undivided square, occupied 
by the burying yard and some fine meadows. This 
was once the principal seat of business, but now forms 
a delightful residence for persons withdrawn from the 
active pursuits of life. The inhabitants have been 
from the first settlement, distinguished for sol)riety, 
love of order, good sense and intelligence. The site 
on which it is built is very irregular and much broken, 
consisting of a narrow, picturesque valley, following 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 353 

the windingsof the Yantic. Here, upon ihePlain, stands 
the First Society meeting-house ; no other sector denom- 
ination have ever had a house for worship in this part of 
the town. The court-house, since the removal of the 
courts to the Landing, has been occupied for a school, 
the okl jail was taken down, tlie post-office transferred 
to another location, the taverns shut up, and the peace 
and quiet of the " Happy Valley" now broods over 
this charming plain, once the seat of so inr.cli activity 
and business. 

Between the Town Plot and tlie City, but included 
within the limits of the latter, is that beautiful part of 
Norwich called the Little Plain : the Mohegan Plain 
would be a more appropriate designation, since this 
spot appears to have been the favorite resort of the 
Mohegan Sachems — beloved and venerated by them 
above all others, and chosen for their last resting place, 
w^here removed from all inferior society, they might 
repose among their kindred in royal seclusion. The 
eastern side of the plain is skirted by a rocky wood- 
land ridge ; the western is bordered by the upper part 
of the Falls Village. On the north-west, where it 
approaches the Yantic, and the low meadows called 
Neman's Acre, a rural cemetery has been recently laid 
out. It was consecrated in July, 1844; the services 
being performed by a imion of all denominations of 
Christians in town. The location is l)eautiful, and 
when " the young trees shall entwine their roots with 
the sacred dust," and overshadow the grassy mounds 
and sculptured monuments of the future dead, it will 
be an ornament to the city, and a hallowed place of 
resort to its inhabitants. 

On this plain, and in its vicinity are many elegant 
private mansions — a small, but tasteful church, and 
the Indian burial ground shaded by a grove of trees, 



364 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

between whose shafts rises the granite obelisk that 
commemorates the name of Uncas. The corner stone 
of this monument was laid by President Jackson in 
1833. The obelisk was contributed by the ladies of 
Norwich, and the whole enterprise completed and com- 
memorated July 4, 1842. 

It is not known for how long' a period before Uncas, 
tlie Mohegans had brought their sachems to this place 
for interment, but it is generally supposed that at the 
time of the settlement, the graves covered a couple of 
acres, and that the whole plain was originally chosen 
for the royal cemetery. If the dust of the old Sachems 
could rise up bodily from their graves, said an aged 
man, I have no doubt but we should see them ascend- 
ing here and there, far towards the centre of the plain. 

The Falls Village lies in a hollow bend of the Yan- 
tic, just where it rushes over the rocks through a wind- 
ing channel into the cove of the Thames. It is wholly 
of manufacturing growth, and with the exception of an 
ancient woollen factory and oil mill, and Mr. Elijah 
Lathrop's dwelling-house, has been entirely built 
since 1822. 

Chelsea, now Norwich City, is singularly romantic 
in its situation. Its very streets are declivities, and its 
buildings are in tiers one above another. It is built 
just upon the point of land where the Shetucket meets 
the Thames ; its lower streets have either been won 
from the water, or blasted out of the rock. The first 
view of it from the river below is very striking ; it 
appears and disappears in the windings of the river, as 
if a drop curtain had shut it out from view. As you 
approach it by water at night, the lights from the 
houses high np the hill, seem to be suspended in the 
air. Chelsea has now seven churches. 

Leaving the extreme point between the rivers and 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 355 

tracing the Slictiicket towards the east, we should have 
found, at the close of the last century and the begin- 
ning of this, a^low miry place little better than a 
swamp, and considered by the citizens the least desira- 
ble of all their suburbs. This place was swept over 
every spring by the Shetuckct, which deposited there 
all its ice, mud and rubbish. It was commonl}- called 
Swallow-all. The brook that runs through it bears that 
designation in the town records so long ago as almost 
to render it classic. Yet both the origin and the orthog- 
raphy of the name is doubtful. If derived, as some 
say, from the swallows, who used to make their holes 
in the high banks adjoining, it should be written Swal- 
low-Hall. But if, as is most probable, the name is 
derived from the situation as the receptacle of the She- 
tuckct, the popular designation is correct. 

This tract is now changed in almost every feature. 
The river is restrained by embankments within proper 
limits ; the brook has almost disappeared ; tlie low and 
marshy spots have been filled up; the rail-cars pass 
like flying caravans along the brink of the river ; two 
respectable churches have been built in the valley; 
and ahTiost every trace of the ancient Swallow-all is 
obliterated from the fertile gardens and pleasant man- 
sions of East Chelsea. 

Pursuing our course for aljout half a mile along the 
Shetucket, we come to Greeneville, the youngest of the 
Norwich group of villages, and owing its existence 
entirely to the Water Power Company. 

This company was incorporated in 1829, for the pur- 
pose of preparing a certain portion of the waters of the 
Quinebaug and Shetucket, for use to manufacturing 
establishments. Their capital is $80,OCO. 

They purchased four hundred and sixty acres of land, 
extending nearly three miles in length each side of the 



356 HISTORY OP NORWICH. 

Shetucket, in Norwich and Preston. They built a dam 
of solid and costly masonry, and dug a canal wider 
than the Erie, (forty-five feet wide and nine feet deep) 
and seven-eiglits of a mile in length. Four factories 
were very soon erected between the canal and the 
river, and leased out upon productive terms. Other 
mill seats have been sold and leased, but they have 
still on hand a large amount of water power unsold, 
sufficient, it is supposed, to carry in the whole sixty 
thousand spindles. The water is abundant even in the 
dryest seasons, and the company claim that there is 
none to be found in the union, taking the advantageous 
position and other facilities mto consideration, which 
is worth intrinsically more per thousand spindles than 
this. The village of Greeneville was laid out by this 
company, and the land sold and leased on advantage- 
ous terms. 

Greeneville is noted for its excellent common schools ; 
and where education and mental improvement receive 
a proper degree of attention, the chief objection to large 
manufacturing establishments is obviated. The popu- 
lation, consisting perhaps of fifteen hundred persons, 
comprises but one school district. They have two neat 
and convenient school-houses, built upon a modern 
plan, and the schools are kept without interruption 
from year to year, and funds are annually provided 
sufficient to bring the means of instruction within the 
reach of each individual. 

In the eastern part of Norwich, in a bend of the She- 
tucket, is a plain, which ever since the settlement of 
Norwich, has gone by the name of Sachem's Plain. It 
is so called in the first grants of land made in that 
quarter, and the traditions both of whites and Mohe- 
gans concur in saying, that here the Sachem Miantino- 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 357 

moll was captured Ijy Uncas, and to this place being 
brought back, here he was slain and buried. 

On the 4tli of July, 1841, a considerable concourse 
of people, young and old, principally from the village 
of Greeneville, celebrated by a festival, the erection of 
a monumental stone to the memory of the Narragun- 
sett chief. It is a block of granite, eight feet high, 
and about five feet S({uare upon the base. It is placed 
as near to the spot where he was buried, as could be 
ascertained, and bears this inscription : 

MIANTONIMOH 

1843. 

This monument was erected principally through the 
exertions of William C. Gilman Esq. It was conse- 
crated by prayer and libations of pure water from a 
neighboring s})ring, where perhaps the Sachem had 
often slacked his thirst, and cooled his heated brow, on 
his marches through the wilderness towards the seat of 
his rival, Uncas. 

The prosperity of Norwich being based upon sub- 
stantial grounds, must necessarily be of an enduring 
character. A large tract of country finds it a conven- 
ient port through which to transact business with New 
York. Agencies are established for the sale of manu- 
factured goods of various kinds, and even of the raw 
material, and an extensive trade, wholesale and retail, 
is carried on in coal, lumber, groceries and dry goods. 
It is easy of access, midway on the great thoroughfare 
from New York to Boston, and business can be done 
here in a cheap, safe, and expeditious manner. Its 
own manufactures are varied and important, employ- 
ing a large niunber of minds and hands, and its rivers 
and streamlets aiTord an almost inexhaustible supply of 
31 



358 HISTORY OF NORWICH. 

water power, by which they may be increased to any 
number and amount. 

We may also enumerate among the sources of pros- 
perity, the excellent schools of Norwich, the pictur- 
esque beauty of its scenery, the affability, ardor and 
liberality of its inhabitants, and the readiness with 
which they enter into plans of improvement, and con- 
cur in all attempts to make the routine of life happy, 
and mend the manners as well as the heart. From 
year to year the inhabitants have a variety of temper- 
ance and Sabbath school festivals, agricultural shows, 
meetings of societies, and out-door parties. The beau- 
tiful plains of Norwich have been the scene of many 
of these innocent festivities. And in this connection, 
the name of one of the most liljeral promoters of such 
scenes may be mentioned, Charles Rockwell Esq. ; a 
gentleman who has done much in various ways to ben- 
efit his native town, and whose countenance, encour- 
agement, and active aid are never withheld, when the 
cause of religion is to be advanced, the w^ants of the 
poor relieved, the minds of the ignorant enlightened, 
and the hearts of children made happy. 



HISTORY OF NORWICH. 359 



STATISTICS OF MANUFACTURES. 

The following Statistics of a few of the manufacturing establish- 
ments of Norwich, was obtained from the proprietors themselves. 
The list is far from being complete, and is in fact but the commence- 
ment of one ; but further statements were not obtained in time for this 
publication. 



NAME. 


KINDS OF GOODS. HANDS. AMOUNT ANN. 


Shetuclcet Co. 


Cotton (colored goods,) 


2i)0 


about !g;l 75,000 


Chelsea Man. Co. 


Paper, (various kinds,) 


100 




260,000 


Pv. & A. H. Hubbard, 


Paper, 


50 




] 00,000 


Culver & Mickle, 


Paper, 


10 




30,000 


Wm. H. Pease, 


Paper, 


y 




25,000 


Kennedy, 


Cotton Mill, 


50 




75,000 


Wm. H. Coit, 


Carpets, 


35 




3S,000 


Wm. A. Buckinghan: 


I, Carpets, 


40 for labor, 10,000 






\ 


alue, 


4S,000 


Falls Mills, 


Cotton , (colored goods). 


150 




100,000 


N. H. Eddy &. Co. 


Satinet, 


20 




30,000 


Norwich Foundry, 


Foundry &. machinery. 


35 




25,000 


Kennedy &. Tillinghast, Cotton, 


05 




75,000 


Adams & Kennedy, 


Twine, 


20 




30,000 


J. W. Shepherd, 


' Sash and Blind, 


20 




30,000 


Rogers &. Baker, 


Sash, Blind and Doors, 


12 




35,000 


Henry Allen, 


Bedsteads, 


It 




10,000 


Yantic Man. Co. 


Flannels, 


110 wool. 


150,000 lbs. 








make 


500,000 yds. 


C.W.Rockwell's Mill 


., Cassimers, 


50 




$100,000 



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